The Government of God

We have a new government! For some people this announcement has brought great joy and excitement. Others have received the news with anxiety and uncertainty. During the recent election campaign it was repeatedly stated that, “If you change the government you change the country”. Many people are now waiting to see what changes will follow.

Before the birth of Christ many people were longing for a change of government. They lived under Roman occupation. They waited for God’s special messenger (Messiah). The prophet Isaiah described his coming like this:

“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 Counsellor, n Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Whoever wins or loses at election time the Bible tells us that there is a higher authority guiding and directing our government and those of other nations. It is the government of God and it rests “on the shoulders” of Jesus. His life reflected the aspects of the Messiah described by Isaiah. He was (and is) a person of wisdom and strength. He paid the price for our peace by dying on the cross. He proved his identity as the Everlasting One by rising from the dead.

Good news

Jesus began his public ministry by making a “policy speech” setting out his agenda for change. It set out what he had come to do, and it echoed the words of Isaiah 61 which had also predicted the coming of God’s anointed messenger. He said:

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)

This is the kind of government that Jesus Christ brings. It comes through the prayers and actions of those who follow him. It also comes through the guiding hand of God on people who do not even claim to know him. It began with the birth of a baby in Bethlehem whose arrival was announced by angels with these words:

"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV)

How will you celebrate the good news of his government this Christmas?