“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.” Isaiah 9:6
Father, we thank you for sending Jesus in the form of a babe in a manger. Your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not are thoughts. You gave us your Son, Love incarnate, in a manger…vulnerable, beautiful, lowly, humble. We have no words other to offer our sincere gratitude for your sacrifice for us, because of Your deep, unfathomable love for us. Thank you that all is on your shoulders. We adore you and offer our praise for the entirety of all that means—which is too awesome for us to comprehend. In Jesus’ Mighty name, Amen.
Isaiah 6:9 is familiar and often read during the Christmas season.
“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.” Isaiah 9:6
This morning as these words were spoken during church, “the government will be on his shoulders” came alive in a fresh way. Suddenly it became evident that “government” on His shoulders could represent many different things in our lives.
When looking at the commentaries on Bible Hub, there is consensus that government refers to “a great burden or weight” or possibly represents a heavy regal robe.
In this world there is much to be troubled by just as Jesus even said there would be in John 16:33.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Different people are troubled by different things. It could be our earthly government, or another country’s government. I have friends in another country who are being oppressed as a result of their government’s policies. Perhaps it is marriage or relationship troubles or even a betrayal. Government could also stand for a system or organization such as a workplace, ministry, business, or school where there is a hierarchy of authority. In all these circumstances, Jesus is the head of all of them. All of these “governments”, if you will, are the Lord’s and as such, they are all on His shoulders.
This thought brings me much comfort. To know that all of our troubles and all of our earthly systems and all that we value is His, and on His shoulders gives me a feeling of freedom and relief.
He can handle all of the troubles and issues of the world on His shoulders. We cannot. We cannot even handle the ones we know of in our little world, let alone the ginormous ones of the world such as country governments and social injustice issues. Thankful He says to give them to Him (Matthew 11:30, Psalm 55:22) and to “Be of good cheer. For I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
He has overcome all of it and holds all of it upon His shoulders. What is it you need to give him today? Is it your marriage? Your ministry? Your business? Your job? Your relationships (past, present or future)? Whatever the “government” is, you can rest this holiday season knowing it is on His shoulders. Just give it to Him and He will carry it. He’s a gentleman and He’ll only carry what we give Him.
What a beautiful gift from our Jesus this Christmas, the gift of His shoulders… to carry all our burdens on His shoulders.
It is one of the reasons He came. He wants to carry your weights and burdens. Will you let go and let Him carry it on His shoulders? Whatever “it” is.