We are grateful for the many beneficient aspects of the modern social governments who are conscious to varying degrees their responsiblities to their people. The words of Jesus Christ, however, are still more true than ever,
The Lord was never happy with governments because they cause diversion of loyalty and a mock state of provision. The governments become governments unto themselves rather than seeking God's purposes for them. Let's just think of the beneficient social governments that are designed to serve their people's rather than storing up riches for themselves. They end up taking what is the people's, normally through taxes, use and distribute it. They are in the end only using what is the peoples. God's kingdom is very different. Like the light emanating from the sun, the Lord rules His kingdom. It is a rule of a whole different category. Truly, Christ's kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom operates totally different. The sunlight with its energy of light and heat just continues to come and empower the beneficiaries on the planet earth. Christ's kingdom is not empowered by man's resources but is a resource from heaven that cannot be compared. When we hear, "I am with you," our courage arises, our confidence soars, our faith is boosted up and our love is ignited. The kingdoms of the earth are but poor mock images of the real power of God's kingdom. Unfortunately, governments and many organizations only can copy the outward while they are inwardly bankrupt. Meanwhile, we need to spend more time meditating on what it means to have such a glorious king and belong to His kingdom. As we grow in our understanding, our worship will escalate with ceasing. This new thought to an old Christian came when singing, "People need the Lord." I was comparing this to the many things the governments and its leaders promise its people. They want us to think, "People need us the government," and thus perpetuate their power by their votes. I thought that these promises are more than often just disguised acts of manipulations. They have nothing to give. But then, when I heard these words, "People need the Lord," I knew there was a true government, the Lord's kingdom, that just emanates goodness rather than taking from what man already possesses. Man's goverments only move around what man has; God's kingdom brings more into the pot than was originally there. This is the reason Jesus' kingdom does not inherently threaten the nations. In fact, if they understood this truth, they would welcome Jesus Christ into their palaces and offices to find more wisdom, riches and grace than they would ever need to rule a people. Let us not ridicule ruling governments but as God's people become resources for them as God's light shines through us His people. Text: Isaiah 9:1-7"But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Thou shalt multiply the nation, Thou shalt increase their gladness; They will be glad in Thy presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For Thou shalt break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:1-7, NASB). PurposeTo deepen our loyalty and confidence to Christ and His kingdom with the result that we will in great faith bring His blessings to this world. Prayer
DiscussionWe might share different eschatologies (what happens at the end of the world), but we all should concur on the primacy of the Lord Jesus Christ over the nations. We would probably all agree to His title of Lord but might not have thought it through sufficiently. Isaiah 9:1-7 gives us an excellent opportunity to focus on what the world leadership of Jesus Christ practically means to us as individuals, families, churches, communities and nations. Let's look now at the three emphases here in this section. A.) The Presence of Christ is our Light (Isaiah 9:1-3)We might hear news of a rescue team coming to save us but we should remember that the rescue team is only as good as it is greater than that which is threatening the those that are perishing. In this case we see the light shining in darkness. Unimportant becomes important; true joy comes from an understanding of what things would be like if we were not rescued. As with every good fiction, there is a good ending. A good romance at first had difficult times. B.) The Plan of Christ is Our Deliverance (Isaiah 9:4-5)
The enemy had used sin to snatch people from life and bind people to death. The gospels are a record of liberating people from the sin. There is an enemy out there. Do you think things would be so bad or could go so bad if there wasn’t someone after you? What is the problem with spoiled children? Why don’t they appreciate the good things of life? Why are we often the grumpiest when we have the most? Paul had it right when he said who can save me from this flesh? C.) The Power of Christ is our Hope (Isaiah 9:6-7)Truths of God's kingdom were hidden away in parables. The truths, though simple, miss the focus of the masses of people. In this passage we find that the greatest strength comes from the small bundle in the form of a boy. He would pick up the throne and then continue that post as chief governor. A Projects: Parables hide the kingdom truthsPick out three Gospel parables and explain what kingdom truths are hidden in them as well as their relevancy to your life and ministry.
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Jesus had a clear view of what the problem was around Him. Indeed there was the oppression from the Roman armies, but He saw a far greater terror. The enemy had bound God's covenant people in darkness and they couldn't see the light. Jesus said,
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| Book of Isaiah: Plan and Outline Overview of the Book of Isaiah
Background of the Book of Isaiah A Historical Timeline of Isaiah
Section Introduction & Background |
Isaiah Expository Studies: The Bible Teaching Commentary Isaiah 6:1-12 Righteous Living |
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