The Government Will Be On His Shoulders



I am continuing my reading journey through the book of Isaiah and came to this verse last night. It is appropriate for the Easter season:


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. (Isaiah 9:6).


This is a messianic prophecy that Christians assert is Jesus. It is really to hard to argue otherwise that it is not about Him but it always amazing how inventive unbelief can be. One phrase in this verse particularly stood out: "the government will be on his shoulders." 

The commentators I have read on this, don't seem to really get to why this phrase is used. So, I will  proffer my own opinion. In a minute. It is said that religion and politics don't mix, but they sure did in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish religious authorities had not the jurisdiction to execute a man. That was exclusively a Roman right and they exercised in mercilessly on insurrectionists--those adjudicated of sedition. The is why the religious authorities rabble-rousers' shouted that they had "No King but Caesar!" Oh, the horrendous things one must say to promulgate filthy deeds. Ones company is indicative of one's character. They charged that Christ wanted to be King as Caesar.   

Jesus was forced to carry the crossbeam of the Cross to Golgotha, presumably on his shoulders as is depicted above. The Crossbeam weighed approximately 125 pounds. Certainly a heavy load causing a man to stumble, particularly after being flogged. Ironic that Christ's earthly vocation was a carpenter. He surely knew his destiny with wood.  

In a political age where politicians act messianic in their promises, while acting like Judas in the moneybag, could we say that any of those high up in government would dare to lose their political career, let along their life, on the matter of principle? Hardly. Compromise rules the day...not cruel crossbeams leading to crucifixion. This is not a political blog, for I well know the machinations, limitations, and even seductions of power. The key in politics is to get the other person, the other party, to die politically, so that you and your cronies can rule another day.   It is a cruel game, practiced by Machiavellians. I used to work at a school where the leadership all read The Prince. I lost a lot of respect for them when I found that out.  Self-serving. 

Jesus reigns and rules as one who has born our guilt and paid the price with his blood. His shoulders are worthy.        

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