Please stand with me as we read together from Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."
INTRODUCTION:
There was a news lately regarding the statement of Republican candidate Donald Trump that all Muslims should temporarily be banned from entering the United States in order for our government to address the growing threat of terrorism.
This statement has generated a lot of responses both negative and positive from both the Democratic and Republican candidates, members of the Congress and people from all over the world.
Hillary Clinton said that such idea would divide the nation further.
But Trump said No.
"This is not about religion, this is about our security. We had to do what is right because there is so much anger and hatred against America within the Muslim community particularly the mosques. And so, until we are able to figure out what is going on, we have to stop more Muslims from coming in."
How about you. What do you think about the statement?
Do you agree that we should ban all Muslims from entering the United States to stop terrorism from happening?
Will this program help the government in dealing with ISIS or create more problems?
Those are good questions that we need to think about as we seek God's wisdom for our nation.
You see, our nation is facing tremendous challenges on many fronts such as political, economical, religious and environmental.
Our government leaders seem to have no concrete solutions in sight on how to deal with the many problems we are facing despite of the vast and extensive resources available at our disposal.
The situation has even worsened by the recent attack on the facility in San Bernandino from radical terrorists who have vowed to strike more devastating blows to our nation in the future.
Think of it, even the FBI could not even decipher the encrypted messages that the terrorist use in order to communicate secretly with each other using their latest apps.
Not only that, our nation is faced with moral scandals of questionable ethics at the local, state and federal levels of government that had been appearing in the news.
There is also corruption in the government that is so prevalent that we have almost become cynical about those occupying in public office.
So, what do we do when we face those insurmountable problems in the four corners of our government?
The message of Christmas brings HOPE of Good News to every local government seeking for the best solution of their problems.
Today, we will look at the Old Testament prophecy from the prophet Isaiah concerning the coming of Christ who will someday place the government upon His shoulders.
It means He will take charge over the affairs of the government of all the nations on earth to rule and reign with righteousness, justice and peace.
No government on earth can do that except Christ the Lord.
And how refreshing it will be as we discover the meaning of the Christmas season from the Book of Isaiah.
Of course, as we observe our world, the reign of Christ has not yet fully materialized but we can be sure about it that someday, the prophecy will be totally fulfilled and it will come to pass.
Christ, our Lord and Savior will come again and will establish His eternal rule of peace and prosperity that the nations have not yet experienced since the beginning of time in this earth.
Every year as we celebrate Christmas, we had to look forward and be passionate that He is coming again soon.
The good news of Christmas therefore is that God sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ who will come and establish His prosperous government on earth which will last throughout eternity.
And that you and I will be there to rule with Him.
This truth if you understand carefully will bring such joy and gladness in our hearts as we receive God's ultimate plan for His people.
The world system with all its sin and misery is already condemned to eternal condemnation but Christ is preparing for Himself a chosen people who live righteous lives and will be ready for heaven.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Look at those words: "the Government will be upon His shoulders."
What does that mean for all of us?
That means, the weight, the load and the heaviness of the world due to the damage of sin has been transferred upon his shoulders.
Instead of us taking and carrying the heavy burden of the world upon our weak and painful shoulders, Christ will take the load off our backs and place this upon His strong and powerful shoulders.
There is a vast difference between what our shoulders can carry and what Christ's shoulders can handle.
Because He is the only one who has the supernatural strength to carry the entire weight of humanity.
He has the amazing ability to carry all our sins and nail it to the cross of forgiveness.
We need therefore to resign as the General manager of the universe and let Him take control.
We need to let go of our struggles and trust Him completely.
The Messiah's rule is over those who trust Him and obey Him as Lord.
Actually, the Hebrew word of government in this verse is "misrah", meaning rule, or dominion.
God is a God of order that extends His rule or dominion to every atom and particle of matter that we see in the universe, including the government of heaven and the hierarchy of His angelic hosts.
In the spiritual realms, there are classes of angels such as the Seraphim, the Cherubim and the archangels each with various functions and responsibilities designed and fully organized by God.
He extends His rule and dominion over them as well.
There is nothing in this world that He cannot rule.
He brings order to everything that He controls.
This is the kind of orderliness that God has established in the universe.
Even though there is rebellion in heaven and rebellion on earth because of pride and sin, yet what He has established will one day be restored and function accordingly.
Even though the angels resisted and tried to thwart God's plan, yet His plan will always be realized and fulfilled.
Even though man is so sinful that he rejected God's rule yet, God is still in control and everyone is subject to His rule.
And this is the kind of government we are anticipating at the end of this age under God's eternal reign.
The Kingdom of God will be fully consummated where Christ will become the greatest political ruler ever.
After all, His Kingdom is different from any other earthly kingdoms.
His Kingdom is currently an invisible Kingdom but will one day become visible and universal as His rule extend even those who do not acknowledge His Lordship in their hearts.
During that time, the government will function perfectly at its best.
And of course, there will be total harmony, no more graft and corruption and no more ethical scandal of any kind because we all have the righteousness of Christ.
The writer of this text is Isaiah the prophet who lived during the eight century BC.
He wrote this prophecy at least a hundred years before Israel was taken into Babylonian captivity and nearly 600 years before the birth of the Savior.
Probably, Isaiah wrote this book while sitting at the debris of Israel's monarchy and looking at the the many rulers of all ages.
He then looked forward and across centuries to a time when God through Christ will rule on this earth with good government.
Let us examine again the verse in Isaiah:
"A child will be born to us" - Isaiah talks about the Messiah's HUMANITY.
Christ was born among us, truly human of flesh and blood and of human emotion.
"A son will be given to us." Isaiah implies the Savior's DEITY.
Christ is not just human but also fully God because he was given to us from above.
This is Jesus, God in human flesh to conquer sin and death forever for the entire human race.
"The government will rest upon His shoulders." - Isaiah affirms His Lordship, when Christ will rule and reign in His Eternal Kingdom.
So, what happens when the Government is upon his shoulders?
or when we allow Christ to be the Lord of our lives?
1. There will be no DISORIENTATION or CONFUSION because "He is a Wonderful Counselor"
Christ's government is free from disorientation or confusion because he is a wonderful Counselor.
Our people today is confused nowadays regarding the radicalization of some terrorists even born here in the United States.
What is the government doing about it?
The White House spokesman assured the people that the operation of the terror group ISIS has already been contained or held back.
But "If it has been contained," they asked, " then how come the San Bernandino massacre that killed 14 people and injured several others happened in U.S. soil?"
Indeed, it was unthinkable that the greatest nation on earth will have to face the ISIS threat right in our own backyard.
And so, many people have questions in their minds.
They are confused, bewildered and perplexed.
They want clear answers on how serious the government is dealing with terrorism.
But you see, no political leader who has ever lived on this earth can posses the Messiah-like qualities of Christ.
Leaders can obtain good speaking ability, draw multitudes of following, born with charisma or wisdom, but they cannot compare to the greatest leader of all time, Jesus Christ.
No one has the authority and the wisdom to confound all the enemies of the State with such great insight and intelligence.
The promise of this verse is that Christ is a Wonderful Counselor.
During His incarnation, Christ demonstrated His wisdom as a counselor.
Many times, he encountered difficult people of various kinds and He always knew what to say at the particular moment.
Many times, He knew when to reach out to a seeking heart even when there are plenty of people around to distract him.
At other times, He knew when to rebuke an impetuous soul even when he is his most loyal follower.
This is Christ's wisdom at its very best.
Even his enemies testified of Christ, "Never did a man speak the way this man speaks." John 7:46
They have never met a man like Him before full of wisdom and authority.
He speaks the truth without any fear of man.
He speaks with clarity and he speaks with authority.
Because he is Christ incarnate, He is the Christ who is the source of all truth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." John 14:6.
No politician on earth can match those words.
Therefore, we can be set free from the confusion around us by trusting His loving and caring rule for our lives.
Even if we hear a lot of negative news being perpetuated by the media, we had to go to Christ for the truth and wise counsel.
Many of our politicians are confused and disoriented from the faith of our forefathers that has founded our nation.
And so, they turn everywhere else seeking for counsel.
They go to one another, they go to special interests.
They have their own psychologists, psychiatrist, astrologers, gurus, and other human counselors.
I remember the time when Cory Aquino was newly elected as the President of the Philippines, she was asked by one reporter
"How will you govern the Philippines when you have no experience at all in government? You are just a housewife."
She answered, "I will ask counsel from 50 of our wisest people."
I tell you, seeking counsel from 50 people will be so confusing indeed.
But the King of Kings keeps his own counsel.
Isaiah 40:13 "Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord?"
Isaiah 40:13 (NIV)
13 Who can fathom the Spirit[a] of the Lord,
or instruct the Lord as his counselor?
When Christ rules on this earth, there will be no uncertainty and no political confusion.
He will establish it with judgment, with justice from henceforth and forever. vs. 7
2. There will be no DISCORD or CHAOS because "He is the Mighty God"
Since Christ is the creator of the universe, he has brought order out of chaos.
1 Cor. 14:33 "God is not a God of confusion."
Discord is not found in His personality because he is the God of order.
He brings order and peace to any troubled heart that is fully surrendered to Him.
He not only tells His subjects what to do but He also energizes and empowers them to do it with passion.
And this is what He will do someday when the government is upon His shoulders.
You see, our earthly government can only go so far with wise ruling and legislation but unless they are fully implemented among the people, they are useless.
And because of the sinful nature of man, filled with selfishness, hatred and anger, implementation of laws in the society will always be difficult and almost impossible.
There will always be people who are hard headed, who will want to break the law and bring chaos to the government.
Even authorities who are supposed to carry out the law are the ones who sometimes break the law because no human government can make their people obey the laws from their hearts.
When a person's heart is in great chaos due to the effects of sin, so will society be.
And unless that sin is dealt with, there will be no end to the misery.
Therefore, every human government has great limitations in carrying out the law to the fullest.
But the government that will be established under Christ's rule will be much different.
He will display his divine power by bringing order to the chaotic and lawless world.
There will be a time of great judgment upon the nations.
Those who will not submit to His leadership from the heart will be subjugated with a rod of iron as a symbol of His authority.
Psalms 2:9 (NIV) " You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
Revelation 19:15 (NIV) " Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
But those who humble themselves from their hearts and bow to His Lordship will co-rule with Him in this eternal kingdom.
They will have calmness in their hearts and harmony in their dealings.
I encourage you to be part of this Heavenly Kingdom under Christ.
Ask Jesus to come into your heart and let Him forgive your sins so that you can serve Him for the rest of you life.
Then, He will give you the power to defeat Satan, the power to overcome sin and be liberated from the power of evil.
He will answer your prayers, He will restore your broken souls and allow you to reign with Christ.
That is what it means when the government is upon His shoulders.
No politician on earth can lead a government with such orderliness and great organization as Christ.
They can give you immense promises during the campaign but you will be frustrated once they are in office.
3. There will be no DIFFICULTY or COMPLEXITY because "He is the Father of Eternity"
The rule and reign of Christ is uncomplicated and without any difficulty because He is the Eternal Father.
Actually, we can find that truth also in Hebrews 1:10-12 where God the Father says regarding His Son.
10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”[a]
These verses tells us that Christ in the beginning laid the foundations of the world.
And that the heavens and the earth are the work of His hands.
They will all perish but God alone will remain forever because He is the Father of Eternity.
Truly, nothing in this world is too complicated or difficult for Him.
He sustains everything in the entire universe by the power of His hands.
He is the Alpha and the Omega, He is the First and the Last, He is the Beginning and the End.
He will always remain the same yesterday, today and forever.
And that message of the angels on that first Christmas is
"Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among men."
You see, human life in this world is getting more and more complicated despite of all the latest technological gadgets and apps that have been invented to make life more easier.
I remember the gift I received from my son for my birthday is the latest 22 inches HP all in one pavilion complete with blue tooth.
Hence, no more wires except for the power cord.
The mouse and the typing pad are both wireless.
The hard drive are inside the big screen.
And since it has windows 10, and my old computer is not even windows 7, I had to learn to adjust.
I had to spend a lot of time learning how it operates.
I tell you, my life becomes more complicated because of this new computer in spite of the new technologies I have.
And this is true to our ever growing culture.
Those technological developments that had improved the communications, the transportation and commerce of our nation have also made our lives more intricate and complex as well.
And since the terrorist have been adapting to the new technologies, our government has to deal with those issues more wisely.
Hence, a leader is facing great challenges in managing our nation of diversity.
But Christ's rule on earth is simple and uncomplicated.
He is the sole ruler - no bloated bureaucracy, no red tapes, no mismanagement, no need for a super computer or super spy program because He knows the end from the beginning.
There is even a highway of holiness for all Christians to pass by but fools will not pass through it.
Isaiah 35:8 (NIV) " And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness;
it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
I hope and pray that you will walk with me in that Highway of holiness towards the kingdom of God.
There will be no traffic, no over speeding and no need for a car in that freeway created by God.
This is what it means when the government is upon His shoulders.
4. There will be no DISAGREEMENT or CONFLICTS because "He is the Prince of Peace"
Lastly, in the Kingdom of God, there will be no more conflicts because he is the Prince of Peace.
He offers peace from God to all who will receive His grace.
Romans 1:7 (NIV) 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
He brings peace with God to those who will surrender to Him by faith.
Romans 5:1 (NIV) 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we [a ] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
He will deliver the peace of God to all those who will walk with Him.
Phil. 4:7 (NIV) 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You see, in this earth, we have wars and rumors of wars.
People have rebellious hearts.
There are always people who will disturb the peace such as coup d'etat and insurrection.
But secondly, the angel’s announcement of “peace on earth” declared the arrival of the only One who ultimately can bring lasting peace on earth.
Jesus Christ will bring lasting peace in the final establishment of His earthly kingdom.
And so, are you worn out from trying to solve every problem, exhausted in trying to help your children, chaotic in taking care of your parents, hard up in getting your co workers shape up?
Are you drained out from trying to repair all the broken people and the messed up situations all around you?
Have you been frustrated and gone into conflicts whenever you try to implement something good but no one truly care about it anyway?
No wonder, you're confused, tired, weak and beaten up all the time.
The message of Christmas for you is that "The government will be upon His shoulders."
Because he is the Wonderful Counselor, He wants to give you wisdom in all the things you have to do.
Because He is the Mighty God, He wants to bring order in your chaotic heart.
Because He is the Eternal Father, he wants to bring simplicity into your complex world.
And because he is the Prince of Peace, he wants to give peace in your rebellious heart.
He is the Christ of Christmas.
He came to set us free us from the terrible burden of trying to run the universe single handedly.
He wants to take the load off your back so that He could carry all the weight of the entire people.
Once we let go of our burdens, we can rejoice and be glad.
He can carry the full weight of all your problems for the government is upon His shoulders.
END...
