The Government on Christ's Shoulder

I would like to have us think this morning of the way that this passage depicts the Messiah; the One who is spoken of as the great promised Ruler of the Jewish people. The verses which I just read to you use prophetic language which is mighty and sublime in relation to the One who would fulfill the description. The language is so awe inspiringly beautiful; it uses words of such high importance and value; that we find ourselves believing that the One being described for us here must be the greatest Prince and Ruler of all time. And most certainly He is. Whether we who believe are here upon the earth, or whether we are in heaven, we should all know and understand that “The government will be upon the shoulder of our Lord Jesus Christ,” as the text says. When it says, “the government”, it means the righteous administration of everything related to the salvation of all of God's people. It means that He will be, to those who believe in Him; the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. What I want to do this morning is to speak to you about the name-titles of Christ which are given to us here. And then this afternoon I would like to speak to you about the increase of His government and peace. As to His name-titles; He is given 4 of them here. We will speak of 3 of them this morning, and touch upon the last one, but we will open that one up in the context of the increase of Christ's government this afternoon.