When The Chessboard Is Tipped | Finding Faith In The Face Of Ancient Hatred

The chessboard is a world of 64 squares, a realm of pure intellect and strategy. It’s a place where, in theory, all that matters is skill. The pieces don’t know the nationality, faith, or politics of the hand that moves them. For a moment, as two players sit across from one another, there is a silent agreement to operate within the rules of a shared, beautiful game.

Now, imagine you are one of those players. You’ve trained for years. You’ve sacrificed, studied, and dreamed of this tournament. You arrive in Spain, ready to test your mind. But before you can make your first move, you are told the flag you play under—the simple symbol of your homeland—is considered offensive. Then, local officials stand at a podium not to welcome you, but to condemn your very existence. A loud, angry rally gathers outside your window, its chants seeping through the glass. And finally, you are told your safe hotel room is gone; you must sleep in a remote hostel, isolated and vulnerable.

The board hasn’t just been reset; it’s been kicked over. This wasn’t about the game. This was about who you are. And so, with a heavy heart and justified fear, you and your teammates must withdraw. The game was never played. The world lost the chance to see your skill, your humanity, your peace. All it saw was hatred.

This recent story of the Israeli chess team is not an isolated incident. It is a painful, modern chapter in an ancient story—the story of the Jewish people facing discrimination, harassment, and hatred simply for being who they are: God’s chosen people. If your heart aches reading this, if you feel a righteous anger or a deep sadness, you are not alone. That ache is a reflection of God’s own heart for His people.

The Unchosen Choice: A Burden and a Blessing

To be chosen by God is a profound truth layered with both immense blessing and immense struggle. From the days of Pharaoh to the horrors of the Holocaust to the protests outside a chess tournament, the pattern is heartbreakingly consistent. The world often singles out the Jewish people for a unique kind of scorn.

Why? Because they carry the identity of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the living, breathing testament to a covenant-keeping God. They are the guardians of the Torah, the progenitors of the prophets, and the lineage of our Messiah, Jesus. Attacking them is, at its spiritual core, an attempt to delegitimize the God they represent and the promises He has made.

This is not just a political issue; it is a profound spiritual reality. The pain is real. The fear is real. The isolation is real. But so is the promise of the One who chose them.

The Comfort of the Scriptures: God’s Heart for His People

In times of confusion and pain, we must anchor our hearts not in the shifting sands of world events, but in the eternal rock of God’s Word. His perspective is the one that brings clarity and comfort.

An Old Testament Promise: Isaiah 41:9-10

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

This word from Isaiah is a powerful reminder. God’s choosing is not a passive selection; it is an active, calling, and sustaining grace. He acknowledges the "ends of the earth," the feeling of being isolated and far from safety. But His promise is threefold: I am with you, I will strengthen you, and I will uphold you. When the world says, "You are rejected," God says, "I have not rejected you." When fear whispers of danger, God shouts a promise of His presence. This verse is a practical anchor. It reminds us that our security does not come from the approval of institutions or the safety of a hotel room, but from the unwavering grip of God’s righteous right hand.

A New Testament Charge: John 15:18-19

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Jesus speaks these words to His disciples, but the principle echoes the experience of His Jewish brethren. He offers a startling but honest perspective: hatred from the world can, as painful as it is, be a perverse sign of allegiance to Him. The world’s system, opposed to God, will naturally lash out at those who bear His image and truth. This doesn’t make the harassment okay, but it does frame it. It takes the personal sting of "What is wrong with me?" and places it in a larger spiritual context: "This is about what is wrong with a world in rebellion against God." This verse is a practical tool for reframing pain. It encourages us to see that we are not being rejected for our flaws, but often for our faithfulness. We are in good company—the company of Christ Himself.

A Call to Loving Action: How Our Faith Must Move

Seeing this ancient hatred rise again can make us feel helpless. But we are not called to be passive observers. We are called to be ministers of comfort and agents of God’s love. Our faith must move from our hearts to our hands.

1. Pray with Precision. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Pray for protection over Jewish communities worldwide. Pray for the hearts of those filled with antisemitic hatred to be radically encountered by the love of Jesus. Pray for wisdom for leaders. Pray for comfort for the fearful.

2. Speak with Courage. In a world where lies and misinformation spread like wildfire, be a voice of truth. Gently but firmly correct false narratives when you encounter them. Stand against hateful rhetoric in your circles, online and in person. Your courageous voice can make a difference.

3. Support with Tangible Love. Seek out and support organizations that fight antisemitism, that aid Jewish communities in need, and that work to build bridges of understanding between Jews and Christians. Let them know they do not stand alone.

4. Love as Jesus Did. At its core, our response must be one of unconditional, Christ-like love. We are called to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We are called to be a safe haven and a source of encouragement. We are called to be the hands that uphold, reflecting the righteous right hand of God.

You Are Not a Spectator; You Are Part of the Family

Perhaps you read this and feel a stirring. A desire to do more than just feel sad. A desire to be part of a solution rooted in love and faith.

This is where our community comes in. This isn't a mission for a few; it's a call for the entire body of Christ. We are called to stand alongside our older brothers and sisters in faith (Romans 11:17-18) not in superiority, but in solidarity, gratitude, and love.

If this message resonates with you, here is how you can help us continue to spread this call to faithful love and support:

· Join Us in Prayer: This is our foundation. Commit to praying for the Jewish people regularly.

· Share This Message: Break the silence. Share this post to spread awareness and encourage others to stand against hatred.

· Extend Encouragement: Reach out to your Jewish friends and neighbors. Let them know they are seen, valued, and loved.

· Support the Work: If you feel led, your financial support helps us create more content, partner with impactful organizations, and actively support causes that defend and uplift the Jewish people around the world.

This isn’t about pressure; it’s about partnership. It’s about saying together, in a world that often tips the board, that we serve a God who has already won the game. His plans, His promises, and His people will endure.

Thank you for your compassionate heart and for being a part of this community of faith and love.