December 3, 2025 - The Government will be on His Shoulders

 The Government Will Be on His Shoulders

By: Pastor Sean McIntyre

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7 (NIV)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan – 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

When reading one of the most famous passages not just in the bible, but ever penned in human history, it is hard to identify one thing to focus on. However, I’d be lying if I told you that in the midst of a hyper-political climate, I would be lying if I told you that the discussion of government in the midst of this proclamation capture my attention. And it undoubtedly would have caught the attention of the readers/hearers of this message from Isaiah as well, because in the entire Old Testament, this word is only used twice. And you just read both of them. (If you did not, go back to the top and actually read the scripture this time 😊). This word is used exclusively about the Messiah implying a sovereignty and rule that is political, spiritual and eternal. In other words, all power will be given to this Messiah who will usher in a new reign. This prophecy of Isaiah is given during the height of the Assyrian empire in the 8th century BC. The fragility of human rule was on full display. As they had seen human governments abuse power, harm people and only help themselves (sound familiar?) this image gives them certainty of a divinely established kingdom. 

All power and authority are given to this Messiah. A leader more gifted and qualified than ever before. A rule more powerful than any before. A reign that will never end. A dominion over all of creation. But how did the Messiah choose to use this power? The text actually gives us a hint. It says that the “government will be on his shoulders.” And I can’t help but picture the Messiah, Jesus, carrying the cross on his shoulders. The Ruler of the most powerful Kingdom uses his power to serve. While we have used earthly power is used to keep people under our thumb, the new King uses power to uplift the lowly. 

“Of the greatness of his government there will be no end.” What does greatness look like according to this King? “establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness.”  

In all corners of our lives and the world we face rulers, regimes and principalities that promote all sorts of harmful rhetoric. There are no perfect companies, leaders, governments or churches because there are no perfect people. As the world suffers at the hands of those who choose to use their power for personal gain and/or the detriment of others, we must also confess that we too have perpetuated this type of perverted kingdom. 

During this season of waiting, may we anticipate the coming of a Kingdom defined by justice and righteousness by creating righteousness and justice in the world around us. Not by might or force, but the same way Jesus did: by carrying a cross; by lifting up the lowly; by having less so that others might have more; by living out the truth that the greatest among us shall be the servants. 

Lord Jesus,

We thank You for being the Light who breaks our darkness 

and the King whose power is carried on shoulders willing to bear a cross.

As we wait for Your kingdom of justice and righteousness, 

shape us to follow Your way—

serving others, lifting the lowly, and living as people of Your peace. 

Let Your reign begin in us today.

Amen.