麻豆约拍

Good morning 鈥�

A fascinating painting called 鈥淐heckmate鈥� was once displayed in the Louvre in Paris. The painting illustrated two chess players, one being the devil, who appears arrogantly confident, and the other a young man looking despondent and helpless. The implication being that the devil has the man beaten, 鈥榗heck mate,鈥� and as a result of the impending victory will obtain the man鈥檚 soul.

The story goes that a chess champion visited the Louvre and stood transfixed before the painting. After much time spent studying the chess board he noticed that the arrangement of the chess pieces was incorrect. According to chess champion, the man who thought he was losing in fact had the opportunity to make one more move that could overturn defeat into victory. The man鈥檚 鈥榢ing鈥� had one more move to change the game.

When Jesus was crucified on the cross, breathing his last breath, to his followers it looked like check mate. But the 鈥楰ing鈥� had one more move and three days later King Jesus rose from the grave overcoming the power of death once and for all. Christians celebrate the good news the victory of the Cross.

Jesus said in John鈥檚 Gospel, 鈥淚 have come to give life in all its fullness.鈥� For those facing the most challenging of circumstances, for those feeling trapped and overwhelmed there is hope. For those feeling down and out, check-mate, Jesus promises to bring life. Whatever you are walking through, you are not alone, the God who holds the keys to life and death stands beside you.

Lord Jesus thank you for the life you bring. For those who are heavy-hearted, may they know your hope and life afresh today. Amen.聽