The Government is On His Shoulders

             “…and the government will be on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9: 6 NIV84).

In a few days, we will celebrate the birth of a baby.  At this time of the year, we see Jesus as a small, innocent bundle of joy, much like the babies in our own lives.  Even as the shepherds celebrated the birth of the Savior, the baby lay helpless in a manger.  Just like all babies, He had to rely on His earthly parents for food, shelter, and the basic necessities of life.  In those early years, it was probably difficult for even Mary and Joseph to comprehend how this young child could be the Savior of the world.  Yet, it was all part of God’s plan!

As Isaiah wrote the words of chapter 9, the country of Israel was in turmoil.  It had been divided in half, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel was about to be overrun by the Assyrians. The Southern Kingdom of Judah would ultimately succumb to the same fate.  Their conquering followed years of evil, corrupt kings who refused to follow the ways of the Lord. 

As the Israelites languished in misery, fear, and hopelessness, God used Isaiah to remind them that God was still in control.  The people’s abandonment of God had thrust them into darkness, but God revealed that “a great light” (Isaiah 9: 2) was dawning—that light was the Messiah!

The promised Messiah would be the righteous, just Ruler that the people needed.  The baby born that blessed evening would become the Supreme Ruler of all.  Before sending out His disciples, Jesus said, “All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18 NIV84).  The apostle, Paul, tells us that He “...is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2: 10b NIV84). His rule is supreme!  There is no other.

That authority carried with it the burden of leadership, as He bore the sins of the world on a cross.  “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”  Anyone who leads knows the burden of responsibility.  It’s not always an easy path, and Christ knew from the very beginning the burden He would have to bear, but He did it willingly for our sake.  He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, nailing our sins to the cross.  A good leader cares for his people, but how many will give their lives for their people?  Christ did!

Finally, there will come a day when Christ returns as the conquering King.  John’s Revelation tells us that, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11: 15 NIV84).  Earthly rulers come and go, but the Kingdom of Christ will last forever.  He is the King of Kings!

I love the story of the Savior born as a baby, lying in a manger, but I long for the day when my conquering King will return victorious.  Until then, we can rest, knowing that the government is on His shoulders, and He is still in control.

Isaiah 9: 6, 7

Revelation 19: 11 - 16

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