Checkmate!

The story goes that in the painting entitled "Checkmate!" a young man, has bet his soul in a game of chess with the devil. He has a look of dread on his face whereas the devil grins smugly across the table. Everyone who comes to look at the painting sees that the devil has reduced the young man to his King, a night, and a few scattered pawns. The young man is in the depths of dispair feeling that checkmate is inevitable.

The story continues that an old Chess Master comes and stares intently at the chess board. Suddenly he cries out, “It is a lie! The King and the Knight have another move!” The old chess master offers to take the place of the young man and finish off the devil.

This story is told to inspire hope that Christians always have another move, even when the devil has them cornered. In my mind there is even more to this story. I think it's obvious that the old Chess Master is really Jesus Christ. When we feel we have lost to the devil, Jesus offers to take our place in the game. When we feel like all is lost and the devil has won, the only move we have left is to step out of the game and let Jesus finish off the devil for us.

I'm off to the 2009 FCSA World Championships, wish me luck.

Stay Safe and God Bless you all,

Brad

Salvation is Free, Discipleship will cost you everything.(Billy Graham)