Checkmate
“One More Move: God’s Victory in Our Defeat”
Story
If you know anything about the game of chess, you know it all comes down to when the King on either side can move no more. Once the king is trapped, the winning side declares “checkmate” and the game is over.
There is a painting that once hung in the Louvre museum in Paris, painted by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch. Today, the painting is popularly known as “Checkmate.” It is now in private hands, having been sold in a Christie’s auction in 1999.
The painting depicts two chess players. One is Satan, who appears arrogantly confident. The other player is a man who looks forlorn. If Satan wins, he wins the man’s soul. You can view more of the creepy details below.
The Chess Grandmaster’s Discovery
According to legend, and probably fact, the story goes like this. A chess grand master came upon this intriguing painting in the Louvre museum alongside other famous art such as the Mona Lisa.
The grand mastered stared a long time at the chess board in the painting and finally noticed something surprising. The typical interpretation of the painting (that the devil had the man in “checkmate”) was incorrect.
Though the devil seemed to be the obvious victor, he was in fact not winning. The man, who thought he was losing, was actually winning.
According to the arrangement of the pieces left on the chess board, his king had one more move. This fateful move would make him the winner of the game.
The grand master called the curator and determined that the title “Checkmate” did not fit the scene because the forlorn-looking player actually had the ability to defeat his opponent, though he didn’t realize it yet. His king had one more move.
Main Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Outline
1. The Devil’s Illusion of Victory
- 1 Peter 5:8–9 — Satan seeks to intimidate and destroy, often making us think it’s “game over.”
- Like in the painting, Satan appears confident, but his perception of victory is false.
- Illustration: Good Friday looked like the end, but it was only Friday — Sunday was coming.
2. God’s Way of Escape
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 — God promises we’re never without a way out.
- We may not see the “move” God has prepared until we look from His perspective.
- Encourage prayer, Scripture reading, and wise counsel to see God’s path forward.
3. The Cross as the Final Move
- Colossians 2:15 — Jesus’ death and resurrection stripped Satan of his power.
- Satan’s ultimate “checkmate” attempt at Calvary became his eternal defeat.
- Our hope is grounded in Christ’s finished work.
4. Resilience in the Midst of Pressure
- 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 — We may be “pressed” but not “crushed.”
- Our circumstances do not determine our destiny.
- God’s “one more move” often comes when we’re at our lowest point.
5. The Final Checkmate Belongs to God
- Revelation 20:10 — Satan’s final end is certain.
- The believer’s future is secure in Christ; the enemy’s defeat is irreversible.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever felt like you were at “checkmate” in life? How did God give you hope?
- Why do you think God sometimes lets situations look hopeless before bringing victory?
- How can we encourage others who feel trapped by sin, fear, or circumstances?
Memory Verse
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57
Closing Challenge
- When you feel surrounded, remember: It’s not over.
- God always has one more move. Trust Him to make it.
Feel free to ask me about anything, including comments on articles, questions you may have.
Copyright Notice © 2025 Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.