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Special
feature from LDN's Worship Guide
A government ... for the people
By Mark
Weber, pastor, Mount Pulaski Christian Church
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[December 11, 2013]
It
seems that one of our national pastimes is complaining about
government, and probably rightfully so. It seems that government has
the knack for messing up just about everything.
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 And yet, I remember that after being overseas for the first time in
my life, I wrote in my journal, "I love the USA." We are so blessed,
not only economically, but also blessed with a lot of freedoms we
take for granted — and it's because of government. Government was
ordained by God, and there is a lot of good because of it. However,
no government system is perfect. All governments are fallen, and
they all fail to some extent.As I read through the Christmas
texts, I am amazed at how much government talk surrounds the
Christmas story. The wise men came looking to find a king, a
political leader. In Matthew 2 it says, "Out of Bethlehem will come
a ruler" — again, a political leader. In Luke 2 it says, "The
Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he
will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom
will never end" — all political terms.
We usually think about the spiritual significance of Christmas,
how Jesus came to save us from our sins. That's true. But the
original promise of a Messiah carried political significance. Jesus
came to set up a perfect kingdom where he will reign forever.
In Isaiah 9:6-7 it says:
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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
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 When this child is born, there will be a new government, a new
leader, which will bring hope, joy and peace. Because of this new
government and new leader, the theme that runs throughout Isaiah 9
is joy. There will be "no more gloom" for those in distress. God has
"increased their joy." People will "rejoice."
In other words, we now have a new leader. Jesus is our king. The
full realization of that kingship is not yet fully manifested, but
when it is fully consummated, there will be unending peace and joy.
And because we know it will happen sooner or later, we can live in
joy, peace and confidence.
The Christmas season is a reminder that only one government is
fully good and only one government is eternal.
[By MARK WEBER, Mount Pulaski
Christian Church]
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