He Shall Reign

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.   –Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB)

These two verses are full of expectancy, hope, comfort and joy. This is because they are full of Christ. Christ is the King on whose shoulders rest dominion and authority, who rules in justice and righteousness on the throne of David. Is it any wonder that our celebration of Christ’s advent finds these verses so prominent? Well, at least verse six.

Typically we hear much about the Child born and Son given, and of His names, but often much of the remainder of this passage is given little attention. There is a focus on Christ’s humiliation but not His exaltation. Granted, the Lord of Glory becoming a baby is a great act of humiliation and deserving our adoration and praise, but this text doesn’t end there. Neither should we when celebrating Jesus’ birth. As we recall His first advent, we should be longing for His second.

Preceding this text we read of distress, darkness, and the gloom of anguish (8:19-22). In this midst of such afflictions, God promises victory for His children. Our Father says there will be no more gloom and anguish; rather, there will be a great light to shine in the darkness, an increase of gladness, and liberty from the oppressor (9:1-5). This promise of victory finds its fulfillment in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Joy to the world! The Lord is come: let earth receive her King.”

Imagine the hopeful expectancy of all who heard and believed Isaiah’s prophecy. As we celebrate Christmas we not only look back to what they looked forward to, but we also rejoice in a present reality and future certainty. Christ is reigning and ruling now. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords now. And we, too, look forward with expectancy, comfort, and joy to a future event—the consummation of His kingdom. When we celebrate Christ’s first advent we proclaim His reign until He comes again. “Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns: let men their songs employ.”

Jesus Christ sustains the government on His omnipotent shoulders while breaking the yoke of burden and the staff on His people’s shoulders (9:4). The rod of our oppressor is removed and replaced by the easy yoke and light burden of Christ who gives us rest. Jesus came to deliver His people from the world, flesh and devil. “No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.”

King Jesus has been given dominion and authority over everything in heaven and on earth. The characteristics of His government are immeasurably glorious and He rules without limitation in time or extent. Isaiah tells us that His government is ever increasing, peaceful, just, righteous and eternal. The babe lying in the manger is a King who has come to forever subdue all kingdoms (cf. Daniel 2:44). “He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.”