What Government can we trust?

Have you lost all faith in our politicians? Can you believe a single word they say? Maybe you’re angry or disappointed with the government? Today many people are fed up with the same old, same old. It’s true isn’t it. No matter who comes to power nothing changes and society sinks ever deeper into chaos.

Covid-19, rising energy bills, skyrocketing food prices, economic collapse, a failed National Health Service and the possibility of nuclear war have left a people tired, fearful, depressed, and hopeless.

In the yearning for a brighter day people put their faith in government, but then despair when politicians defer on their promises. It is a sad fact that our government is unable to deliver. Certainly Number 10 is not our hope. In fact it will never be the vehicle to see change in our nation.

So where is the hope?

At Christmas time many stop to reflect upon the past year. There’s a vain hope that maybe next year will be better. Christmas is a time observed by an estimated 2.8 billion people around the world. It is said that 86% of Britons celebrate Christmas. The central theme of this holiday, aside from Santa Claus, movies, gifts, Christmas cards, advent calendars, turkey, mince pies and you name it, is that of a baby boy born into a world of turmoil.

Maybe you’ve received a Christmas card depicting the famous manger scene? You also might recall a familiar message that often goes alongside it – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”

These words are from a prophecy found in the Bible concerning the birth of Christ. It was given by a man named Isaiah about 600 years earlier. It continues, “And he (Christ) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6

Finally a leader we can trust

The prophecy spoke of a leader to come who we could finally put our trust in. Christ, true to his word, will never break his promises (Hebrews 6:18). Christ is the one who will come and establish a righteous government of peace.

The prophecy spans the centuries to a time when Christ will eventually set up his full governmental rule, where all earthly powers along with their corruption and broken promises will be destroyed forever.

At a time when the world is weary and despairing of answers, when the political future is bleak, this is good news. Things won’t always be this way.

A better day is coming for anyone who puts their faith in Christ Jesus. The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Importantly it is not only a future hope, but a present reality too.

Christ told those who follow him, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

We know our politicians cannot give us peace. The truth is only Christ can. Christ will not only bring lasting peace in the final establishment of his governmental rule, but also promises to give anyone who follows him peace in these troubled times now.

This Christmas time and into the new year let us look to Christ for the answer. Let us also wait with a certain hope for the day when he returns to establish the political solution that will bring peace and justice once and for all.

Christ’s government is the greatest because it is ruled by the greatest ruler — the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”