The Best Government Increase

There seems to be a lot of talk these days, especially here in the United States, about the increasing role of the government in the lives of its citizens. The government wants to tell us what to eat, what to watch, what to say (or not to say), how to spend money, etc., etc. I haven't met too many people that are happy about it. In fact, I think it's safe to say that most people want to see government decrease rather than increase.

But what if there were a government whose increase was a good thing? What if there was a government that did the absolute right thing 100% of the time? And what if that same government caused its citizens to do right things all the time? What if there was a government that was absolutely just and impartial, one that would protect the innocent and punish the guilty? What if there was a government leader who so cared for his people that he would literally die for them to provide what they truly needed? By now I'm sure you're thinking that I've gone absolutely nuts--there can't possibly be such a government! But I have some great news. It does exist! Take a look at this passage of Scripture. You may recognize it, because it is often quoted around this time of year:

"For 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, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."--Isaiah 9:6, 7

The child that Isaiah talks about here is Jesus, the very one whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. His government is available to anyone and everyone who wants Him as leader in their lives. And along with the wonderful increase of His government, there is also an increase of peace. What earthly government is truly able to give you that? I leave you with an invitation from the Leader Himself:

(Jesus speaking) "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."--Matthew 11:28