“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. Of the increase 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.“ (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)
You and I watch the news and keep an eye on the Twitter feeds blowing up our phones reminding us of one crisis after another in this crazy world. This group in conflict with that group. Nations rattling sabers. Politicians fomenting. And everyone fretting.
Then we read the prophecy from Isaiah calling Jesus the “Prince of Peace.” We’re promised that “the increase of Jesus’ government” and the peace it brings will never end. So when, we ask, will this take place?
The Gospels tell us that Jesus’ Kingdom is here…it was inaugurated that first Christmas when the King arrived. But it wasn’t your typical inauguration. Before the government of the Kingdom could be taken on Jesus’ shoulders, he had to first carry a cross on those shoulders. Before the crown of a King came the crown of thorns. Before taking his throne, there was a tomb. Nevertheless, the Kingdom is here. It is a spiritual kingdom found in the hearts of those who serve the King.
One day, perhaps soon, that King will return for his people. On that day, the Kingdom will be transformed from a spiritual to a physical presence. On that day it will be said again of the increase 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.
Come quickly, King Jesus!
