Today's Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7

Devo Author: Collin Jackson

Date: November 29, 2022

Do you ever think about how important your shoulders are to the human experience? A few years ago, I had a nasty mountain bike accident that forever changed the way I see our need for a good shoulder. After a not-so-graceful crash landing, I have this really cool scar, but my shoulder has never been the same. I can’t carry as much as I used to.

Imagine with me for a moment, the heaviest thing you have ever carried on your shoulders. Literally. Maybe a young one needing a lift. A large object needing some balance. Or, if you are like me, a backpack full of far too many books to consume in one sitting. Imagine with me for a second, that weight pressing down on you now. Can you feel it?

Metaphorically, are there things in your life that you are feeling the full weight of carrying? Something that you feel is completely dependent upon you to maintain, control, or fix? A relationship? A crisis? An issue in your life? Can you feel the weight and pressure of that situation now?

With that feeling of heaviness, hear the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the the good shoulders of the Messiah at His advent:
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 NIV).

Isaiah is prophesying to a nation that had turned a deaf ear to the Lord and lived under the reign of dysfunctional political leaders in Israel. In spite of this, God promises hope and peace to come, not through a brilliant political military juggernaut, but through a child, who will take on His shoulders the rule and reign God longs for His people to experience. This Child would usher in God’s Kingdom. Even with the best intentions, it seems mere humans are not able to accomplish this sort of government. Only God could accomplish this. Through the birth of this one Child, God establishes His Kingdom on earth – overflowing with justice, righteousness, and peace with no end, and ruled by the most Wonderful Counselor, the Mightiest God, the Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace who will not bend or break under the weight of anything. He has some good shoulders.

This advent, what if we took what we are trying to carry and gave it to our King and Friend Jesus, who invites the weary and heavy laden to come and cast our burdens on Him? As our Wonderful Counselor, who has the best wisdom and care. Our Mighty God, who is strong and compassionate. The Everlasting Father, who loves without end. Our Prince of Peace, who is present and ruling now, let Him be God.

Take a moment now, to thank and submit to Jesus as the King who reigns with justice, righteousness, and peace. In gratitude, remember His first coming and in hope, anticipate His second.