Checkmate

“Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.” (Isa 8:10 AV)

This challenge is to the enemies of Judah.  In particular, when Assyria came for the northern kingdom, the southern kingdom knew God was with them.  Even though their backslidden brethren were going into captivity, Judah knew that while they walked with God, there was not plan that would prosper against them.  They had the unshakable covenants of Abraham, Isaac, and David as their foundation.  Even if they, too, would go into captivity, God would still honor those covenants, leave a remnant, and eventually prosper Israel again.  The world, the devil, and the flesh may think they can win.  In reality, they cannot.  There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God.

Chess is an aggravating game.  I enjoy watching other play it, but I do not.  Simply put, I am not that great of a strategist.  I cannot think three steps ahead.  Not while put on a clock, anyway.  My eldest son plays.  He is a bit above average and maybe even considered good.  He is no expert.  But he can hold his own among most.  In one sitting, he unknowingly played an expert player.  It was fascinating.  This player had all possible moves figured out in his head.  No matter what my eldest did, there was a counter move that tightened the nose.  The expert player was not playing to win.  He was playing as though he already won.  His moves were merely the manifestation of a method to a certain end.  It was a beautiful thing to watch.

This is what it is like when the world, the devil, and the flesh think they can win a match with God.  We are in the middle of this battle and happen to be the king piece.  But the King of Kings is the hand the moves the pieces.  God is all knowing.  He knows every possible move the adversaries can make.  He knows every possible outcome and has determined the game to be played on His terms.  Sure, the devil, the world, and the flesh have liberty to be involved in the game and the Master need not force a choice.  The game is played and the choices restricted.  In the end, the Master checkmates his opponent.  As saints of God, we need to step back and realize our little world of being a pawn is not the entire picture.  There is a grand scheme in place and we are but a small part.  Having confidence in the hand that moves the pieces and trusting the promise of victory should give us encouragement to go through the difficult moves of life.  He is always in control!  We will win!  Of that, there is no doubt.