Happy Birthday, King!

Happy Birthday, King!  

I have a good friend who is Thailand tonight. She has gone to be an English teacher. The last few days have been dangerous as there is rioting in the streets. School has been cancelled but teachers still have to show up.

The King’s birthday is Dec. 5^th.  So, in honour of the occasion, there is a cessation of hostilities.  On Dec. 6^th it may be back to fighting. But, for now, there is “peace” because the King has a birthday.

From what I understand King Bhumipol Adulyadej of Thailand is a “good guy.” He is the longest reigning living monarch on the face of the earth at this point in time.  Apparently his people love him, and he has done a lot to strengthen his country and his people.  He has boldly fought the dragon of opium replacing the scourge of opium with coffee, other crops, and commercial flowers. The Thai people don’t call him “The King” but rather “My King” much like we would say “my grandfather”!  King Bhumibol is the deeply loved grandfather of modern Thailand.  That’s why all sides are taking a break from their fighting to honour the king on his birthday.  When December 6^th dawns, the fighting may start again, but – for now – fists and triggers are at rest.

It is December. Advent began on Sunday, Dec. 1.  This is the season we remember the birthday of the greatest King who ever lived – King Jesus!  He is the Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).  He came to dispel darkness and break the chains of slavery and restore brokenness. He does that one heart at a time!  Happy Birthday, King Jesus!

 

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

 

 

 

Broad Shoulders and Restored Hearts

" ... The government will be upon His shoulders ... " -

Today we will have a new president in this country. In a sense the mantle of government (at least one of the three branches) will pass onto his shoulders.

But these words are not about about Barak Obama. They are not about any president. They were written ages and ages ago by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6) about the King who would come to be the Savior who alone can restore our hearts and our world to put things really right as God intended in the first place. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is the real Peace-Maker - both between God and man and between men, women and children as He changes one heart at a time with His saving love and grace!

Our times, our culture and our country are under the gaze and sovereign authority of King Jesus! His shoulders are worthy and able to rest government upon.

Pray for our new president. He will assume the mantle of tremendous responsibility this day. He will need King Jesus to do his job well. We need to pray that King Jesus will bring His restoration to our country, to our hearts as only He can!