given

For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - ISAIAH 9:6

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah 9:1-7 speaks powerfully of what’s to come, a kingdom and great light. But in God’s Way this kingdom and great light arrive with a humble act, His Son given.

Reflect with me on the words used to describe the promise of the coming kingdom and King: great light, nation, rejoicing, harvest, provision, spoils of war, breaking yokes of burden, breaking rods of empire, burning bloodstained uniforms of war, government, name, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, no end, throne, kingdom, establish, uphold, justice, righteousness, forevermore, zeal, Lord of armies, accomplish.

And now, reflect on the words used to describe the One through which all of this will be fulfilled: child, born, Son, given.

By God’s grace we know what was given, He tells us through that very gift! At this prophecy’s fulfillment we hear the words of Jesus: Repent, the Kingdom of God is here.

Now, think of a kingdom - better yet, think of the kingdom of heaven. What do you envision? Clouds? A castle? Perhaps a city with some golden streets? Harps and folks in white sheets? A gate with that Peter guy stamping entry tickets? If you wear a monocle, smoke a pipe and play the cello, perhaps a kingdom makes you think of political structures such as: chiefdom, serfdom. Here’s the challenge. That’s not where our minds are supposed to turn.

Turn your mind to these words instead: wisdom, freedom. Wisdom is the condition of being wise and freedom, the state of being free. Sure, there are places where wisdom and freedom might be found, but they are so much more in heart and action than brick and mortar.

Like wisdom and freedom, kingdom is a condition - the condition of being ruled. So, we’re given the condition of being ruled? Hmmm. Cheery. Haven't we morally progressed out of archaic thoughts and systems like kingdoms? Being ruled is antiquated and oppressive. But if we are to believe God giving the condition of rule is somehow gospel, then we must understand what the condition of this rule means, and the character of the One ruling.

When God first teaches us about rule, we learn God made humans in His image to rule over His creation. When God first teaches us about His reign, God confronts and defeats oppressive and systemic evil, liberates His people, and invites Israel under His reign to bless the nations, defending the poor and vulnerable. 

Look at how our King was given: 

He’s paraded into Jerusalem - riding on a donkey.

He’s enthroned - in trial and execution.

He’s called Christ - while receiving blows.

He’s hailed by royal guards - as mockery.

He’s exalted and lifted up as Israel’s King - on a cross.

God’s coronation is an act of sacrificial love, dying on behalf of those who rebelled against His reign.

This is the humble King and the great kingdom that Isaiah prophesied of and now is. And He gives us an invitation! The child born, the Son given, the great light. Praise the Lord!