Things
were pretty messed up in the world into which the Savior was born so
many years ago. The nation of Israel was under the oppressive boot-heel
of the Romans. They had no rights, they paid oppressive taxes, and
justice was non-existent. But, “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son…” (Gal. 4:4) The world was a mess, but God was working out His eternal plans.
God is working out His eternal plans right now, in 2015. He
has not been caught off guard. In fact, the plan He is at work in
executing today, is the exact same plan He initiated more than 2000
years ago. Here is the plan:
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
These
are not just comforting words that appear on Christmas Cards. The whole
idea of Christmas is not quite as peaceful and tranquil as the
sentiment of the season might indicate. Yes, we rejoice, yes we take comfort, yes we receive hope because He has come. But,
this coming that we celebrate each December was God’s D-Day invasion on
the shores of a world held under the control of an evil power. It was
the beachhead by heaven that would soon spread to the whole world. Our
Champion, Jesus Chris, came to do mortal combat with the enemy and win
our freedom. A child is born (Mary’s child, a man), a Son is given (God’s Son, Emmanuel), and THE GOVERNMENT shall be upon His shoulder. Do you see it? The
Kingdom of God is a government headed by Jesus Christ our Lord! After
the description of Him, and how this Kingdom would be far different than
the oppressive government of Satan, we read: “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be
no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and
establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even
forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7)
He is still the Lord! He
is still on the throne. The difference is that His ever-expanding
Kingdom is bigger now than it has ever been before. Of the increase of
His government and peace…there will be no end! The guarantee of this is
the zeal of our very own Lord. He will do what He says He will do.
We are, it would seem, nearing the end of the struggle of the ages between the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of darkness. The
outcome is sure. Though nations rage and people imagine vain things, He
remains our Champion, our King and the Lord of all lords.
