Today I continue a series where I share from my own story about passages in Isaiah that have been a part of me staying rooted in Jesus. Each of the passages we are looking at has impacted me in a personal way.
This week we are taking a look at Isaiah 9. This chapter is quoted many times at Christmas, but it has so much to speak to us all year long. Like so much of Isaiah it is rich in prophecies that refer to Jesus. In verses 1 and 2 we read “By the say of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” And as we read the New Testament it is here in Galilee that we see that Jesus spent much of his adult life and ministry, calling Capernaum on the north shore of the sea of Galilee his home.
Then in verse 6 we read, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” In the midst of this list one name for Jesus is “Everlasting Father.” Here we see the beauty of the Trinity, the triune Godhead. When Jesus walked on the earth He said to the disciples, “Why do ask to see the Father? If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” The scriptures say He is the exact representation of the Father. He is the “spitting image” of His Daddy we might say.
Another thing I want to highlight from this verse is that it says, “The government will rest upon His shoulder.” As followers of Jesus, God’s desire is that we would submit to His government, His leadership, and then be self governed. As followers of Jesus the Holy Spirit lives within us. One of the facets of the fruit of the Spirit is self control, or self government. I like how this is translated in Spanish. It reads “dominio propio” or self dominion – to govern oneself.
“Government” is a universal principal. When people walk in step with the Holy Spirit there is less and less need for external government because self government under the Spirit’s leading is taking place. But when people resist the work of the Spirit within them or reject the Spirit entirely there is greater and greater need for external government.
And if you don’t get anything else today get this! Verse 7 says, “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Wow. God’s word is always true. This simple passage was and is a promise from God that from the time of Jesus coming to earth His rule and reign in the hearts of men and women would always increase. And that has been true. From a small band of Jesus followers that accepted His government and peace in their hearts the church has continuously grown and multiplied to hundreds of millions of people who have chosen to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
This week intentionally choose to be led by the Spirit of God, to come under His government. Then choose someone who hasn’t submitted to God’s government and pray for them!
