"The government will rest on His shoulders..." (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)
We are likely familiar with this passage of scripture: it’s commonly read in Christmas services as a description of our infant King. What might it mean for the government to rest on the Son of God’s frame?
According to Websters 1828 Dictionary, government is the exercise of authority; direction and restraint exercised over the actions of men in communities, societies or states, the administration of public affairs, according to the established constitution, laws and usages or arbitrary edict.
When it comes to our Savior, we are assured of His goodness, His sovereignty and authority, but additionally, His restraint and wisdom. We typically hear this preached in the future tense: when Jesus returns, all authority will belong to Him. The rest is implied: in the meantime we live at the whim of man.
This morning the text felt far more immediate. “The government shall rest on His shoulders” serves as an invitation. The weight of all this living: it doesn’t have to rest on us. We were designed to abdicate to our King and allow Him to rule our hearts and lives. So often we are overthinking the decisions that do not even belong to us!
You may have missed it, but I am the queen of overthinking. Like it’s my superpower. But it’s unnecessary: the government rests on His shoulders, not mine. I don’t get to make the calls, when I accepted Christ, I was relieved of that burden. Instead, I learn to listen close and respond in obedience.
My husband has been talking about Joseph this Christmas; he’s been moved by the blatant obedience of the volun-told step-dad to Jesus. At God’s direct instruction, Joseph married his bride despite her blemished reputation. He said ‘yes’ long before he could count the cost of his cooperation. He had no idea as to the size and scope of the adventure he was signing up for, but he was determined to live in deference to deity. I suspect Joseph slept well at night – at least well enough to have divine dreams – because he learned to let the government rest on right shoulders.
I can feel it today: that tight spot in my back unfurling again as I slide over the load I’ve been bearing. The weight of the world was never mine to carry. Thousands of years ago, the newborn King came into our story to shoulder the load on our behalf. He happily hoists the tonnage: authority, administration and even transgression, so we are free to follow Him.
"Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls. for my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)
Following after a loving King is a happy life. We can learn to trust His footfalls. He is King, but He is also the Good Shepherd, still leading us to green pastures and quiet waters. Relinquishing control (or at the perception of control) releases us into His tender care. We thrive under His leadership. We flail in our own.
"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at just the right time, He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cards to God, for He cares about you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NLT)
Lord, we lean in to Your leadership again today. What joy we discover in Your authority! The government is on your shoulders: we are not designed to bear the weight. There is such sweet relief in trusting You: we move aside for Your ruling. May we remain loyal and true, convinced of Your unfailing goodness forever. Amen.