Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Hope is the Heart of Christmas! (LISTEN HERE)
Who’s in charge?
Elections have consequences.
We just went through mid-term elections to choose our next Senators and Representatives in the US House and Senate as well as local leaders and officials. Perhaps some of these individuals were people you voted for and based on their campaign speeches and debates, you felt like they brought a policy to the government office that gives you a stronger hope for the future.
Who is in charge affects our feeling of hope (or hopelessness).
Elections are one thing. How that person actually governs is another thing. A candidate can bring great “hope” for the future, but do little to actually bring that hope to fruition.
What if we could have someone in charge that would always give us a reason for hope?
On this earth, not possible. But look at what the prophet Isaiah spoke of in chapter 9:7
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
We will always have human, secular government officials. While some mistook Isaiah’s prophecy as a promise of a physical government led by God himself (similar to the theocracy of Israel during the time of Moses). However, Jesus himself said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
So what is the hope this verse of prophecy gives us?
With Jesus in charge, we can always have hope and always have peace…because he is in control. The Apostle Paul spoke of this:
Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Every governing official, whether they realize it or not, is operating under the auspices of God himself. God is allowing and using secular governments to carry out his plans (just think of Caesar Augustus issuing a decree to tax that brought Jesus’ birth to Bethlehem).
The hope we can have – no matter what politician is in charge – is that we are most importantly part of God’s kingdom where there is perfect righteousness and justice forever. God will always rule on our behalf and will always accomplish what is best for us.
Apply: What hope do you have knowing the Lord is in control over all world affairs?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for assuring us that all things are under your control and you guide all things for the benefit of us, your people, the Church. AMEN.