| December 24 Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. It’s hard to imagine, in this day of polarity in politics, a government so amazing that we would consider good news the fact that it would never end. Can you picture an earthly kingdom characterized by justice and righteousness – always and forever? It’s a stretch, isn’t it?When we consider some of the most successful kingdoms throughout the Earth’s history, with the happiest subjects, the fairest laws, the lowest taxes… all have eventually proven flawed by the corruption of power and ambition, weak or greedy leaders, restless, rebellious people or some combination of our universal brokenness. No matter how good a government may seem for a time, it’s clear that mere humans, even with the best intentions, have never been/will never be able to accomplish this sort of ideal civilization. It’s impossible. Only God could accomplish this. But look at the good news of this passage: that’s just what God did! Through the birth of this one babe, this child, God established His Kingdom – overflowing with justice, righteousness and peace with no end, and ruled by the most Wonderful Counselor, the Mightiest God, the Everlasting Father, and Prince of all Peace. There is one more name for this perfect King, the ruler of this shockingly perfect eternal kingdom. It is “Jesus” and we don’t have to wait for some distant future in which He will reign. No, King Jesus reigns now and forever. If you are a subject of King Jesus, living in His kingdom and under His authority, you already know the goodness of His reign. If not, you are invited to join Him, to be a part of the beautiful Kingdom where justice, righteousness and peace will never end. What are you waiting for? Reflect If you are a subject of King Jesus, in what ways do you experience His reign every day? Are there areas of your life in which you struggle to submit to His authority? If you have not called Jesus your King, what causes you to hesitate? Ask God to reveal Himself and His Kingdom to you today. Pray Jesus, Thank You for Your government and Kingdom, which has only ever been and will always be for my good. Thank You for inviting me to be a part of Your glorious Kingdom. Help me to submit to Your authority in every part of my life so that I may increasingly experience Your reign of justice, righteousness and peace unending. I ask in Your name, Jesus, my King. Amen.   We will continue to count down the days until the birth of the Christ Child together through these times of reflection back to what was happening in Bible times and, as we look ahead on our own lives and how we are preparing to celebrate this miracle and how to share His love with everyone we know. I hope you will join us daily, via this email to you or on my Kennedale News column each day at 10:00 am, as we spend a little time in God’s Word. Have a wonderful Advent. I miss you all and I ‘wish you a Merry Christmas! “I don’t know how, but I know Who!” Peace, Pastor Nelda We ask you to remember the church and it’s ministries and outreaches that are still going on, even in this time of COVID19. Feel free to use our online giving option below to donate your tithes and offerings. Thanks in advance. Donate Now |
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