Checkers and Chess

“Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets! For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you.” (Revelation 18:20)

The late Kobe Bryant, a former professional basketball player of the Los Angeles Lakers, known as one of the greatest competitors ever to play the game, once said, “These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.” As we continue to study the book of Revelation and what is happening, we can make the same comparison.

The anti-Christ and Satan are playing checkers, but God is playing chess. While the false church that does not honor God goes away, all power goes to the anti-Christ. But the anti-Christ will go to the Battle of Armageddon and be defeated. The Lamb will conquer the anti-Christ. Do you see what God is doing? He is stacking them up, knocking them down. Stacking them up, knocking them down.

It is all part of His purpose, plan, provision and power. In the end we will win because God will win. We’re not dismayed or discouraged. Over the course of this book, from Revelation 4 through Revelation 17, there has been a lot of heavy stuff we’ve read about and studied. If you are still reading with me, thank you for being faithful. We have dealt with bad news, after bad news, after bad news. But the good news does come. As Satan stacks up, God knocks down.

One is playing checkers, while the other is masterfully waiting, playing chess. God is way ahead, and He will come out victorious. There is absolutely no doubt about it. So if you have stayed with us in this long series, you know all the bad news that will come. But you can rejoice in knowing, God will win, and as a result we will win. Praise the Lord today — the master chess player will always be a step ahead.