July 11 - Great Government

 Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 8-10; Hebrews 8

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Trying to modify behaviour through reward and
punishment doesn’t work - Jesus introduced life-change based on transformation, not conformation. 

Just typing the above title gives me a warm feeling. While I’ve always tried to speak well of our human governments (complaining is a downer), the truth is, they are flawed! Criticizing government provides employment for newspaper and media outlets and fodder for lunchroom conversation. But what do we expect when we elect sinners to govern other sinners?

The day is coming, and from what I can see very soon, when Jesus will return. As sure as we are about His first arrival on earth (those who are unsure are ignorant of the obvious - see yesterday’s blog), we can be equally confident in His second coming. The prophesies continue in our reading today:  For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace  (9:6,7).

Our Hebrews reading helps us understand why this new government will be so great. We will no longer have to rely on outward compliance with written laws. Trying to modify behaviour through reward and punishment doesn’t work very well, in parenting young children or governing immature adults. But Jesus introduced a whole new covenant, life-change based on transformation, not conformation.

“This is the covenant I will make with [my people] after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear (8:10-13).

“Lord, knowing You personally makes all the difference. Knowing Your blood was shed to make this new covenant possible, that You love me that much, means I can trust You to rule in my life!”