{"id":34503,"date":"2022-11-07T03:30:20","date_gmt":"2022-11-07T11:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=34503"},"modified":"2022-11-01T12:02:28","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T19:02:28","slug":"november-7-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2022\/11\/07\/november-7-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"November 7, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Increased Government<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cOf the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.\u201d<\/em> Isaiah 9:7<\/p>\n

With the upcoing elections looming, and the accompanying speeches, promises, programs, and accusations, we\u2019ll hear all kinds of opinions from all kinds of people. My own parents belong to the \u201cless government is better\u201d camp, and perhaps many of us feel the same way.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve heard some angry expressions about how things are going for us as a nation. Conclusions are reached as to where we are headed and how it will all end up\u2026 and it isn\u2019t a pretty sight.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, even many Christians hold the point of view that there is no hope for us, government-wise.<\/p>\n

Over the holidays, we will read the words of Isaiah 9:6 on many Christmas cards: \u201cFor unto us a Child is born\u2026 and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.\u201d<\/em> But something is overlooked in that verse: it is the part that says, \u201cAnd the government will be upon His shoulder.\u201d<\/em> Then, in verse 7 (quoted above), \u201cOf the increase of His government and peace there will be no end\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Who\u2019s really in charge of the government? Indeed, God has ordained certain people to oversee certain other people on this earth. It was not so from the very beginning\u2014when it was just God over man\u2014but eventually He did ordain judges, priests, kings, prophets, elders, fathers, and masters, in order to maintain structure and authority within families, churches, workplaces, and nations.<\/p>\n

But upon Whose shoulders does the government actually rest? Scripture tells us plainly that the government is upon Christ. His is the government that is actually increasing. His is the government that has no end. He is the One Who orders and establishes it.<\/p>\n

Yes, it is our responsibility to do our part in electing officials that will uphold godly values. Yes, we study issues and problems so that we know how to pray.<\/p>\n

No, the outcome doesn\u2019t belong entirely to us. It is God\u2019s. \u201cThe zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.\u201d<\/em> Nothing can stop His will and plan. Nothing is strong enough or devious enough to undo His design. Nothing can thwart His strategy and methods.<\/p>\n

His Big Picture is the only picture.<\/p>\n

Be comforted. His Word is true. If He says the government rests upon His shoulders, then it does. If He says His government is increasing, then it is. If He says His government will never end, then it never will. Period. No matter how it looks to us.<\/p>\n

Father, You oversee this whole system of life. Nothing escapes Your attention. We trust You with outcomes. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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