What government will be upon His shoulder?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: I dread election years because I’m faced with which candidate is “less godless.” That’s what it’s come down to. In seeking direction from the Lord through the Bible, I came across this reference, which I’ve heard all my life, but have never understood: “The government will be upon His shoulder.” What government? – C.G.
A: There’s no shadow of doubt as to whom the Prophet Isaiah refers in the words, “A Child is born … a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder” (Isaiah 9:6, NKJV). This is Jesus the Messiah and the government is uniquely God’s kingdom. It is not a kingdom of this world. It’s not a democracy where the people govern. It is a “Christocracy” where Christ is the supreme Authority.
In a government of unredeemed people, democracy is the only fair and equitable system. But no democracy can ever be better than the people who make it up. When people are selfishly motivated, the government will be inequitable. When people are dishonest, the government will be the same. When everyone wants his own way, someone is going to get hurt.
But in God’s kingdom, Christ is King! He is compassionate, fair, merciful, and just. When He is sovereign in people’s hearts, anguish turns to peace, hatred is transformed into love, and misunderstanding into understanding. Not only this, but God’s Kingdom is lasting.
The history of mankind has been a continuous series of half successes and total failures. Prosperity exists for a time, only to be followed by war and depression. Civilizations have come and gone, and the world still battles with the same problems. But the kingdom of God will abide forever. The fluctuations of time, the swinging of the pendulum – from war to peace, from starvation to plenty, from chaos to order – will end forever. The Bible says, “And of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2024 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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