The Government Will Be On His Shoulders

What an amazing and historic election we just experienced this week!  Of course, in a democracy we're used to power transitions.  Since 1984 when I first got involved in politics I think we've seen the US House of Representatives change party power 4 times.  In that same time we've seen the Presidency change parties 4 times.  The American people seem to be very fickle when it comes to a governing philosophy.

We put a lot of stock in our political leaders while at the same time we don't trust them.  Various polls show that 80% of Americans don't trust the government to solve our serious issues.  It appears that we love our political system (democracy and freedom) but we don't think the people we freely elect can get the job done.

Maybe that's a good reason to redirect our trust to a Power and Person much greater than any governing system.  As we approach the Christmas season, we should be reminded of Isaiah's prophecy about the coming Messiah, "...and the government will be on His shoulders..."  Kings, Queens, governing committees and philosophies have all come and gone throughout world history.  One thing remains...God is Sovereign.  While we should all stay very engaged in a system that allows us to participate, we should remember the prayers and compassionate justice of God's people are what will ultimately lead us to national healing.

Getting Started

Fresh starts.  Some people could use a new beginning when life seems tired or lonely or a ton of regrets start to creep in.  But, that whole "wiping the slate clean" thing sometimes seems too good to be true.  There are a lot of things that promise a fresh start...a new job, a new relationship, a new school or even a new home in a different city.  Let's face it, there are times when we would just like to launch something new to get to something better.  Have you ever wanted that?  Do you wish you could have that right now?

I've moved a few times in my life and each move was actually really cool.  I'm always one for adventure and change and almost every change that happened in my life has been by choice.  Very few times was I forced into a new beginning.   But even the forced times were pretty exhilarating.  New challenges and new friends gave me the opportunity to "start over" and implement what I learned from past mistakes.

What about you?  Where do you go looking for fresh starts?  Have they always delivered what you had hoped?  Were you a better person each time you went through one?