AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE UPON HIS SHOULDERS. How I long for the day when that prophetic pronouncement finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. No presidents, or prime ministers, no Republicans, Democrats, communists or socialists, just our gracious, merciful, benevolent and forgiving Lord. Yes, I do so long for that Day to arrive.
I am sure it is what the Jews longed for in the first century, as they found themselves under the sometimes very repressive thumb of the Roman government. No doubt the preachers of the day were given ample opportunity to expound, with hope, the writings of Isaiah. They too longed for the day when the King of kings would arrive and set the captives free.
And arrive He did.
He was not born to a priestly or influential family, but to a young couple, far from their home. He was not raised within the confines of a palace, but in the backwater places of Palestine. He was not part of the populist movement, or a mover and shaker in the circles of power, but a traveler, a teacher, a person of the people. In fact, rather than seeking to be found, he seemed to hide from the public eye, caring more to meet the needs of the most needy, than to gather a revolutionary army. He was not the kind of king for which the nation was hoping.
Here, two thousand years later, we long for one who would set the captives free. One who would bring the end to all wars. One who would truly carry the government upon His shoulders. And so, while preparing to remember and celebrate His first advent, we long and hope for His second advent. We long for Him to take the government upon His shoulders.
But, as we wait, let us remember our Lord’s words, when speaking of His kingly reign He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Let us remember, as we remain here working for the establishment of His kingdom, that He comes not to make our world governments better but to reinvent them completely. No Republicans, Democrats, Peace and Freedom, or Green, but a kingdom where He alone is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Even so, Lord come!