For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us and the government will rest on His shoulders. (Isaiah 9:6)
Have you ever seen a government with which you were completely pleased? We’re grateful for our government in America, as broken as it is, that was foundationally built on a Judeo-Christian base and has been led through the years by many noble, just, and, at times, even godly men and women. But any government of this world is most often the source of endless bickering and confusion: higher taxes, greater control and burdens, and increasing dissension.
What if there was a government ruled by a perfect ruler, and it led to perfect peace?
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Isaiah prophesied of a coming King who would build a new Kingdom, and He came to build that new government 2,000 years ago. Those of us who know Christ and have, by God’s grace, chosen to place our lives under His ruling hand have found nothing but joy and satisfaction with His administration. He upholds His kingdom with “justice and righteousness.” He is a ruler who always makes the right choices at the right time in the right way for the right purpose. He is wonderful in His counsel, all-powerful in His leadership, fatherly in His rule, and a Prince whose ways always lead to peace.
“You shall increase their gladness. They will be glad in Your presence.” (Isaiah 9:3)
The end result is that God’s citizens are glad in His presence. Even in the midst of a dark world, we find joy, for He is giving us the best possible life and the hope of a coming kingdom that is perfect in every way ... where sorrow and sadness are entirely eliminated.
“And the government will rest on His shoulders.” (Isaiah 9:6)
We are grateful for the men and women who serve in our government, but for every great leader, there are hundreds who are insufficient for the task and who cannot seem to find solutions to the problems within and the threats without. Many lead with devious agendas. Some are even diametrically opposed to Christ’s kingdom.
But there is a King and a kingdom that has a Ruler sufficient for the task. And we are glad and grateful to let the government of this Kingdom “rest on His shoulders.”
"There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:7)
A broken government leads to chaos and division. A government led perfectly by a perfect Ruler leads to an enduring peace. He will subdue every enemy and lead us to a peaceful life within and without. This is what Christ’s kingdom is like. He has established it, and He upholds it for all of His followers … and He will forever. We have the promise of the Supreme Commander of Heaven’s armies that will accomplish it.
