Bible Verse of the Day Friday December 23rd, 2022

Isaiah 9:6-7 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.

The phrase "the government will be on his shoulders" initiates some misunderstandings about what government Isaiah is speaking of. The Prophet uses a somewhat obscure word, "misrah" (Strong’s 4951), which translates as rule or dominion. In line with the Holy Word of God, in its entirety, it becomes evident that God has the reign of Jesus as the Messiah over all the earth in mind here. This statement is a critical truth: Our celebration of Christmas points to a great hope in looking forward to the reign of the King, the Lord Jesus, over all the earth. At this present time here on earth, we are well aware that Satan is the "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4). Jesus identified Satan as the prince of this world (John 16:11), but also, in that verse, it states that God has already condemned the evil one. Therefore, there will come a day when Satan will no longer enjoy his imaginary royal status; His evil reign will meet its waterloo.    

To date, Satan has propagated the world with tears, misery, and death. The world is only a place to bury God’s created humans; death is universal and reigns supreme. Suffering, trials, tears, distress and disappointments, frustration, and hurt are everywhere. Our verse today makes it crystal clear that the government of this world will be snatched from Satan’s grip and given to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. When this glorious day arrives, we will have a new King, in a government of peace and love, in the hands of God. Death will be swallowed up in the victory over Satan and his evil followers, and the victory will be ours through Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Jesus will one day destroy the rule of Satan on this earth and rule supreme. It will, however, not be by any human effort; it will be the fulfillment of all prophecies beginning with the first promise of the Messiah in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15). For every human being on this earth that feels weakness and the weight of the cares of this life there is a precious promise from God found in Isaiah 43:2:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Let us all remember this Christmas, we not only celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, but we celebrate the hope we have in knowing that Jesus will be returning to take His children home to be with Him for eternity. (Acts 1:6-11).