“O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down…”
As a chess player, I can testify to the weakness and difficulty of the isolated pawn. Pawns were really designed to stay together. A group of pawns is often called a ‘pawn chain.’ Many times, such pawn chains dictate the activity of all the other pieces. But an isolated pawn, one that stands alone, with no other pawns to the right or to the left, is especially vulnerable.
As the cross approached Jesus was especially isolated. He looked to his right and to his left and found no human support. Let’s note the following about our Lord’s experience:
- He experienced mass defections and desertion by many who appeared to be disciples, “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.” (John 6:66)
- His family, particularly his brothers, did not understand him, “For not even his brothers believed in him.” (John 7:5, see also Mark 3:20-21)
- The Jewish leaders who should have rejoiced to see his day, instead sought to destroy him, “After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.” (John 7:1, see also John 5:17-18)
In chess, the good news is that the isolated pawn that holds on and makes it to the back rank, is able to promote to a much stronger piece. It’s game over for the opponent if that lowly pawn becomes a Rook or a Queen. Our Lord Jesus endured such grief and isolation. He followed his Father’s will and was promoted, receiving that name that is above every other name. The cross and resurrection is game over for the Lord’s opponents! Have you trusted Christ? Are you walking with him? Is your affection for him ever increasing? Let’s close with the third stanza of that famous hymn cited above:
What language shall I borrow
to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
for this, Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever!
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for Thee.
Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
