The One Who Rules

We all want a ruler who will administer justice fairly, be kind to its citizens, and keep them safe from enemies. These are some of the traits expected of a good king. The Bible records many kings who were good during their reign. They were God-fearing. They administered justice, especially to the weak and vulnerable. They were good warriors who cared for their people. Such kings include King David, King Josiah, and King Asa.

None of these kings compares to King Jesus. In Isaiah 9:1-7 we read about the prophecy of the One who will come and rule. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, our Messiah, and Matthew quotes Isaiah 9 to show that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Matthew 4:12-17. The ultimate fulfillment will be realized when Jesus comes back again to reign. He is the One who will rule over Israel and the world.

Isaiah 9:2 states, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Jesus will be the bringer of light that will scatter the darkness. He will deliver His people from the bondage of the dark and bring them light, as John 1:5 notes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus will set us free from the darkness of sin. Verse three states He will bring us joy and gladness. This joy will be everlasting and will not end. The angels reaffirm this in Luke 2:10b, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

The prophet Isaiah notes in verse 6 that Jesus, the Messiah born for us, is our Wonderful Counselor. He is God, the Creator of all things (see John 1:1- 3). He is our Prince of Peace. Jesus will rule with peace. He is our peace. He brings peace to us, and His kingdom of peace will dispel all war, anxiety, and enmity with God that mankind has been struggling with.

In verse 7, we read that the kingdom of the Messiah will be everlasting. It will never end. This is excellent news. The verse also notes that King Jesus will rule with justice and righteousness. We long for these things in a world where justice has fallen by the wayside and righteousness is hard to come by. It is good to know that the hallmark of King Jesus’ rule will be justice and righteousness. This should fill our hearts with joy. The One who rules is a good King. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. His reign will last forever and ever.

We don’t have to look far to see this world is broken, and it can feel like a scary place to live. Death, violence, hunger, homelessness, broken relationships, bullying, hatred, and illness of all kinds—painful reminders we are surrounded by darkness, and it makes our hearts feel so heavy. Fear creeps into our minds and lies by saying this darkness and suffering will never end. Who has the power or desire to end all human suffering? Our rulers always let us down. We find ourselves wishing we were a king or a queen—maybe then we could make the world, or at least our own life, how it should be.

Long ago, the prophet Isaiah told of a coming Ruler who would bring bright light to “those who live in a land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). Isaiah spoke of a special child who would be born and He would rule forever. This Ruler would bring joy, freedom, provision, justice and peace to all His people. Finally, someone with the power and desire to fix this world! Best of all, it says this Ruler’s “government and its peace will never end” and “He will rule with fairness and justice…for all eternity” (Isaiah 9:7). Isaiah’s prophecy has come true in Jesus. If we follow King Jesus, we live with the hope that although we still live in a dark world, we can help by sharing His light with our neighbors. And someday we will see the coming of His kingdom of perfect peace, joy, and righteousness that will never end!