Today's Devotions

Showcase: Assorted Treats

  • Joy Will Find A Way: Bruce Cockburn +

    Bruce Cockburn’s song Joy Will Find A Way describes the way joy from love can transform one’s life. make me Read More
  • Jokerman +

    This 1980’s song and video by Bob Dylan is as most Dylan songs, something of an enigma. With its references Read More
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SylviaFor unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7a

Most English translations say "and the government shall be on his shoulder." In our modern culture when we say the word "government," the image that comes to mind is the temporary nature of it. Governments rise and fall. If we don't like who is in office now, we wait a few years and vote in someone else. Many have become cynical and don't believe government can really do anything.

The use of the word "government" waters down the intensity of what the Scripture is saying. To our modern mindset it is better translated "and dominion shall be upon his shoulder." Now what is coming to your mind when you hear dominion? A sense of royalty, rule, supremacy, never-changing authority and power, ability to accomplish whatever is needed or desired, full and complete control.

Full dominion is on the shoulders of Jesus. What beautiful shoulders they are.

Shoulders that lend His strength to the weak and sick.

Shoulders that bear burdens.

Shoulders that picked up a cross and carried it on our behalf.

Shoulders that lean forward to pick up a fallen one.

Strong shoulders that we can hide behind as He defeats our enemies.

Shoulders to lay our head on when our heart aches.

Shoulders that embrace us tenderly with love that never lets go.

Shoulders that shake with laughter as we delight Him.

Isaiah 9:7 says that of His dominion there will be no end. He is more than enough. He has abundant dominion for your every need. For whatever may be happening in your life right now, King Jesus has really big shoulders. Lean into Him.

"Lord Jesus, master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!" (Henri J. M. Nouwen)

Be blessed to know that you can entrust yourself completely to the King who was foretold so long ago who came to earth to reign in your heart.
King of kings and Lord of lords.
Forever and ever and ever.

Reflections to Consider

  • Corporate Spirituality

    Encouragement, Accountability, and Worship Solitude, community and ministry are three areas requiring balance and integration in the Christian walk. The Read More
  • Companion of the Souls

    When the two disciples recognised Jesus as he broke the bread for them in their house in Emmaus, he "vanished Read More
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Publications

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Music

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Audio & Video

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Favorites

  • Transforming this World: The Hope of Glory by NT Wright +

    Wright confronts the perspective that this world doesn’t matter, and that we live only to be in heaven. He shows Read More
  • What is Good in a World that Defies Hope: a talk by NT Wright +

    This is the second part of three talks by NT Wright at Harvard University in November, 2008 on the topic Read More
  • The Stream, the Lake and the River: NT Wright +

      Acts 2.1-21; John 7.37-39; a sermon at the Eucharist on the Feast of Pentecost, 11 May 2008, by the Read More
  • Jesus in the Perfect Storm by NT Wright +

    Zechariah 9.9-17; Luke 19.28-48; A sermon for Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, In the University Chapel of St Salvator, St Read More
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Hidden Blessings

  • Warfare Spirituality +

    The Trinity function as farmers of our souls, actively caring for God’s creation: an ongoing, radical reclamation of His creation. Read More
  • You are free +

    The Jesus who calmed a sea of deadly, stormy waves, whose arrival sent thousands of demons cringing and cowering to Read More
  • Deliver us from Evil +

    Spiritual warfare is something that few Christians, regardless of their denomination, are accustomed to thinking about, let alone engaging in. Read More
  • Baby, you're a rich man! +

    The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain. This also is Read More
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