For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Devotional Thoughts
By David Wilkerson
“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” (Isaiah 9:6).
Isaiah is speaking here of a wonderful prince of peace coming to rule over a kingdom made up of a people wholly submitted to the prince’s supreme authority. And the prince himself would provide loving counsel to those he ruled over, guiding and directing their lives. Of course, the prince Isaiah speaks of is Christ. His kingdom has indeed come, existing in the hearts of his people. And the government of all creation rests on the shoulders of our wonderful Savior.
Isaiah adds, “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7). From now to the end of time, Jesus is going to rule over his kingdom with divine order. Now, if Christ reigns as the supreme authority over his kingdom and we are his subjects, then our lives must be governed by him. What, exactly, does it mean for us to be governed by Jesus? To govern means “to guide, to direct, to control all actions and behavior of those under authority.” In short, Jesus must be allowed to control everything we do. He must guide and direct our lives daily, including our every thought, word and deed.
Jesus rules supreme in his own kingdom, the one he has established in the hearts of his people. He said, “Indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). And it is within this kingdom — this realm of our hearts — that Christ rules supreme over his people, guiding us, healing us, governing our actions and behavior.
Can you honestly say that day after day, Jesus’ government over you is increasing? Are you bringing your behavior more and more under his authority? Allow your king, Jesus, to govern your life through his Word, and then you will be blessed. Indeed, your life will be filled with joy!