"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).
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophecy declares, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders." This verse was written during a time when Israel was experiencing political turmoil and oppressive leadership. Earthly governments were often corrupt, unstable, and marked by the failure of human kings to lead with justice and righteousness. Against this backdrop, Isaiah’s words offered a message of hope—a promise of a future ruler who would bring peace, justice, and everlasting authority.
The phrase "the government will be on his shoulders" symbolizes the weight of authority and responsibility resting on the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Unlike the flawed rulers of the time, Jesus is prophesied as the perfect King, described with titles like "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). These names point to His divine wisdom, power, eternal nature, and ability to bring true peace—qualities no earthly ruler could embody.
Jesus’ divine authority is seen throughout Scripture. Think about how Jesus lived this out during His earthly ministry. He didn’t come with armies or political power, but He showed His authority in ways no one else could. He calmed storms, healed the sick, forgave sins, and even conquered death. He taught with wisdom that left people amazed and called out injustice with courage. And through it all, He revealed what real leadership looks like—sacrificial, compassionate, and always for the good of others.
In the kingdom of heaven, Jesus holds ultimate authority as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He reigns over a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly governments, offering salvation and hope to all who trust in Him. At His return, Jesus’ authority will be fully realized in a physical and eternal sense. Revelation 19:16 describes Him returning as a victorious King, ruling with justice and bringing an everlasting reign of peace, that day will be the final fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.
Isaiah 9:6 reminds me that no matter how messy the world gets, Jesus is in control. He’s the leader we’ve all been longing for—strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to carry us through our struggles. His kingdom is unshakable, and His authority gives us hope that can’t be shaken, no matter what’s happening around us. Isn’t that the kind of leadership we all crave?
I have always been intrigued by a phrase in this famous Christmas verse, "And the government will be on his shoulders." It means something like this: "The weight of the world will be on his shoulders." This is a profound truth, especially for those of us who feel like we're bearing the full weight of the world on our own shoulders.
Tim Hudson tells a story about George McCauslin, who some years ago served as director of a YMCA in western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. It was a difficult situation because the YMCA was losing money, membership and staff. McCauslin worked 85 hours a week trying to solve the problem. He found himself getting little sleep at night. He took little time off. And even when he was away from the job, he was worrying and fretting about the problems of the YMCA. He visited a therapist who warned him he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Somehow he needed to let go and let God take charge of his problems. But how do you do something like that?
The breakthrough came one day when he took a notebook and ventured into a forest not far from where he lived. As he walked through the cool woods, he could feel his muscles starting to relax. Sitting down under a tree, he sighed and felt at ease for the first time in months. He took out his notebook and decided to let go of the burdens of his life. He wrote God a letter that simply said, "Dear God, Today I hereby resign as general manager of the universe. Love, George." Looking back on that moment, he reflected with a twinkle in his eye, "And wonder of wonders, God accepted my resignation."
I think many of us need to do what he did. We need to resign as general manager of the universe. Are you worn out from trying to solve every problem, help your children, take care of your parents, get your coworkers shaped up, and in general trying to fix your siblings and parents and roommates and friends and neighbors? Are you exhausted from trying to repair all the broken people and the messed up situations all around you? No wonder you're tired all the time.
Here is where the message of Christmas becomes all-important. Ponder the Babe in the manger. He came to set us free from the terrible burden (and inevitable failure) of trying to run the universe.
Let the weary world rejoice. Christ is born! He can carry the full weight of all your problems, for "the government will be on his shoulders."
Reprinted by permission of Keep Believing Ministries.'
