DEVOTION / The ultimate chess master

I've never been good at chess. Once someone I was teaching the game beat me the second time we played. I am embarrassing at chess. But I am fascinated by the way chess masters play.

Jesus as the chess master

I was reminded about the risen Savior being the ultimate chess master recently when I studied 1 Corinthians 15, the Great Resurrection Chapter of the Bible. "Christ has been raised from the dead," Paul proclaims, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (15:20). Because of Jesus' convincing Easter victory, we Christians have a Gibraltar-foundation to our faith.

That rock-solid foundation also guarantees that he cannot lose as he positions his chess pieces to give his Church and us Christians ultimate victory.

Christ must win

The risen Christ must reign, the apostle tells the Corinthians. "He must reign 'until he has put all his enemies under his feet'” (15:20). Paul's reference is to Psalm 110:1. There the Father says to his Son, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool under your feet.”

The risen Christ must reign. In spite of the hardships and heartaches that rock me. Christ must reign. In spite of wars and wars' injustices. Christ must reign. In spite of godless forces that attempt to cripple, corrupt, and incapacitate the Church. Christ must reign.

I've wondered, though, is Christ ruling? Is he making the right chess moves. How does using a rook like that make sense? Along with Jeremiah I've asked, "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do the treacherous live at ease?" (Jeremiah 12:1).

Christ’s winning strategy

I've watched experts play chess. I've tried to understand their strategies. I've wondered, why did you give up your bishop? Why didn't you take that pawn? Then three or four moves later, the tactic became clear. The move was part of the chess master's plan. He was in control all along.

When I watch Christ, the sovereign chess master, move his pieces on a global board, I frequently don't see how he could be winning or ruling. And those times I think I understand his strategy, I find I only misunderstood it.

The ultimate checkmate

But whether I understand his game plan or not, here is my confidence. And my comfort. And the source of my courage. Christ "must reign 'until he has put all his enemies under his feet.'”

The risen Savior must reign. As surely as water must be wet and day must follow night, he must reign. His resurrection guarantees he does. The ultimate and final checkmate awaits.