If you have ever played Checkers, then you’ve probably been frustrated by the limited movement of the stones (the pieces). The stones move in one direction. They cannot move to the left or to the right, nor can they turn back. Their only option is straight across the board. Life, apart from Christ, is like that. Apart from Christ, we are limited in our movement—destined to continue down the path we are on—a path away from God.
For the stone there is hope at the end of the board. If it makes the right moves, if it avoids getting killed, when it reaches the end of the board it is crowned as the player calls out, “King me!” It doesn’t work like that for us. No matter what moves we make, or how hard we try, we never reach the end of the board.
However, in a surprising twist, we have a King who comes to us—a King who left heaven and was crucified for us. This King transforms us—turns us around and reveals God. Like the stone that has reached the end of the board, in Christ we are crowned—claimed for the kingdom of God—empowered by his Spirit.
Receive him, and be transformed. Take up your cross—and hang on. He will place you exactly where you need to be.
Rev. Troy Tysdal is Director of Communications and Prayer for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren and serves as editor in chief of Faith & Fellowship magazine.