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Isaiah 9:6-7
Message No. 0651 | Twitter @GodandUs | www.wisdom-speaks.ca
Every Christmas, we pull up Isaiah 9:6-7 like a seasonal rendition that only lasts a few days in December, and the next time we remember this scripture is after 365 days have passed. Well, what if we actually think of the deep truths in these verses and apply them to our daily living. Could there be a difference in our daily experiences? Look at what the scripture says:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
To have some understanding of what it means for the government to be upon Christ’s Shoulder, we need to first understand the reasons why a government is needed.
The first item you will most likely see in the list of responsibilities of a government is the security and protection of its citizens. Now, arguably, you could say that some governments are irresponsible in this all-important requirement, but you certainly would not say that about the Government of our Lord. Because in the following scriptures, the Bible says:
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel (Numbers 23:23a)
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn (Isaiah 54:17a)
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain (Psalm 127:1b)
Of course, there are several other verses that we can point to in the scriptures that give us assurance that our God never fails to protect His own. What this means is that Christ may not be the president or prime minister of your earthly country, but in fact, you belong to a higher Kingdom, and the protection offered by this Kingdom dwarfs what the earthly governments can do. No one will counsel you to throw caution to the wind and expect that God will protect you, because this may amount to tempting God. However, having done your bit, you can rest assured that God has your back.
Let us look at a second responsibility of government: the provision of infrastructure and the enabling environment for its citizens to prosper. Governments are tasked with the responsibilities of building roads and ports to facilitate the transportation of humans and goods. Again, you may fault your earthly governments in this area, but God gives us promises that we can rely on. In Isaiah 45:2-3, the Bible says:
‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.
The physical roads in your country may not be good, but God says He will make the spiritual roads smooth. Where there are any obstacles, like spiritual trees falling on the streets and some dangerous corners that are difficult to navigate, or where there are iron gates that may prevent your progress, God says He will take care of them all. So, the next time you have that challenging business meeting or that interview for which you are not even sure of yourself or that all-important event where you believe people may look down on you because of your race, gender or age, the Lord says not to worry, because, according to Proverbs 21:1:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes
As you go about your daily activities, remember that the earthly government may fail you in its responsibilities, but the Government of our Lord never fails. His physical government may still be in the future, but the spiritual government has existed before the foundation of the earth was laid, and it continues forever. Your earthly government may not care much, but the Bible in 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your care (or fear or anxiety or uncertainties) upon Him, for He cares for you. Have a blessed week!
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PLEASE ACT NOW:
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, you do not have a covenant with God and His promises do not apply to you. To come under these promises, please surrender your life to Christ today, by praying this prayer:
Lord I know that I am a sinner and I am unable to save myself. I am sorry for my sins and I pray that you please forgive me. I am aware that Your Son Jesus died for my sins and I accept Him as my Lord and savior. I surrender my life unto you from this moment. Please take control of my entire being and help me to be obedient to your Word, going forward. Thank you, Lord, for hearing me. I have prayed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed the foregoing prayer, you have just been born again. Please find a Bible believing church in your area and ask to see the pastor. Let him or her know that you have just given your life to Christ and s/he will guide you on next steps in your journey as a child of God. The Lord bless you!
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