Carl Frederick Buechner an American writer, novelist, poet, autobiographer, essayist, preacher and theologian once remarked: “If we only had eyes to see and ears to hear and wits to understand, we would know that the Kingdom of God in the sense of holiness, goodness, beauty is as close as breathing and is crying out to born both within ourselves and within the world; we would know that the Kingdom of God is what we all of us hunger for above all other things even when we don’t know its name or realize that it’s what we’re starving to death for. The Kingdom of God is where our best dreams come from and our truest prayers. We glimpse it at those moments when we find ourselves being better than we are and wiser than we know. We catch sight of it when at some moment of crisis a strength seems to come to us that is greater than our own strength. The Kingdom of God is where we belong. It is home, and whether we realize it or not, I think we are all of us homesick for it.” Romans 14:17 reminds us: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
The Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven as it is also referred to is defined in Christianity by Encyclopedia Britannica as: “The spiritual realm over which God reigns as king, or the fulfilment on Earth of God’s will. Scripture informs us that God created the world in the beginning which had previously been without form. We also know from 1 John 1:5 that God provides light to that world. John 8:12 confirms that Jesus stated: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”However, God so loved the world that he gave His only Son to save us from our sins. John 3:3 confirms: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again
Isaiah 7:14 states: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
The origin of the game of chess dates back to the 6th century. It evolved during the Gupta empire in northern India and was initially entitled “Chaturanga” which translates as “The four divisions.” These divisions represented: Calvary, Chariotry, Elephantry and Infantry. The names have now been retitled to: Knight, Rook, Bishop and Pawn respectively. There are two further pieces of importance used in the game. The first, known as the Queen is the most versatile playing piece of all, and falls just short in value to the King which is undoubtedly the most valuable piece of all.
The chessboard is often comprised of wood but can include other materials and the playing surface usually consists of sixty-four squares that are coloured black or brown and white alternately.
Many Christian denominations refer to Jesus as “Christ the King.” He is considered as a prophet, priest and king. The feast of “Christ the King” is usually celebrated on the final Sunday of the liturgical calendar and is followed by the first Sunday of Advent
If we consider the importance of Christ as an analogy to the well-known board game of chess, we see a distinct similarity.
In the game, there are thirty-two active pieces, sixteen white and sixteen black. They range from a simple pawn to the most important piece on the chessboard - The King itself. The object of the game is to place the opponent's king in such a position that it can be taken on the attacking player's next move. It then loses all worth. When that position is achieved a term of "Check Mate" is reached and the game is over. Thus, the protection of one's own king is of paramount importance.
Most royal kings are usually protected wherever they go. On state occasions, they will have troops to accompany them along processions but on more private audiences or less formal engagements, they will have plain-clothed detectives. The primary intention is to provide protection and safety. They certainly would not be subjected to ridicule and scorn and yet our Lord Jesus Christ allows this to happen and subjects himself to events that should never occur which eventually lead to His death on the cross.
There have been several instances quoted in scripture where the word “king” which relates to our Lord, has been specifically mentioned. To name just two, shortly after His birth we read in the Bible of an account where He is visited and revered by the three wise men who were reputedly kings in their own right. And at the crucifixion, a plaque hammered into the top of His cross ironically echoes the same unfulfilled message: INRI: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”
What kind of king can begin an earthly life in such humbleness as a stable - and end it as the victim of a derogatory public execution? It has never been heard of before. The pageantry and splendour of kingship had been forsaken.
When He is asked the question in St John’s Gospel as to whether He is a king? by Pontius Pilate, He responds: “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
But, if Jesus shows humility for his own kingship, He continually speaks of the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:33 confirms: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The kingdom of God could additionally be related to the seeds of nourishment sown by a farmer in a field of life. The Parable of the Growing Seed as told in Mark 4:26-29 relates primarily to growth in the kingdom of God. Despite any adversities that may be present, seeds planted may still continue to grow and reap a bountiful harvest, if it is the will of God.
In a sense, the kingdom of God has always been present and portrayed in the actions and words of Christ. Scripture reveals that Jesus continually refers to His Father in Heaven, and we know that God is in Christ and speaks to us through Him. 2 Corinthians 5:19 confirms: “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
Amen.
