As we approach Christmas, 2022, I have been led to use an ancient prophecy which is not only used often for Christmas celebrations, remembering the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, but it also has greater significance for the future and Eternity. We will study Isaiah 9:6-7 the following 5 weeks:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.”
If Jesus had been a regular child, the verse would read “unto Mary and Joseph a child was born.” But it reads “Unto US a Child (Jesus) is born.” He was born unto us because He came to save us. Our heavenly Father gave us His very best, most difficult-to-give gift, His One and only Son, who was willing to come as a human, born of virgin birth, conceived by the Powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, to redeem and save us from our sins in an agonising death on the cross. Yet He rose again, proving victory over death and paving the way for all of us to join Him in heaven when we receive Him as our Saviour! What grace!
“THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE UPON HIS [JESUS] SHOULDERS.” What does it mean that the government will be on his shoulders? The Hebrew word “shakem” translated “shoulder” in Isaiah, Chap. 9, means the neck area between the shoulders where burdens are placed. Divine government is carried and rests upon the foundation or shoulders of Jesus Christ, and not upon Human beings. Jesus becomes our Rock, our burden bearer, our Divine Authority, who helps us in our decision making once we yield our lives to Him. He is King of kings, a majestic Royalty, who rules us with loving kindness, gracious compassion, and wise assistance in ALL our needs. We can find shelter and security under His wings of protection whenever we come to him in prayer and difficulties.
Thank You heavenly Father, for gifting your precious, only Son to us. It is indeed the best gift we can ever receive, a gift that never fades or grows old, but which matures and helps us every moment of every day. Thank You precious Lord Jesus, for being willing to take on human form and walk among us to show us how we should live in integrity, faithfulness, forgiveness, and loving kindness. You are our biggest Treasure, and we value and love you above all else! Thank You that we can belong to Your Kingdom which lasts into Eternity! Amen
Myrtle Turunen