Isaiah 9:7 declares, "There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this."

This verse speaks of a kingdom that would not diminish, a government that would grow continually, and a peace that would not end. It is centered on the throne of David, a symbol of divine kingship, and it is fulfilled in the reign of Jesus Christ. Let us look carefully at what God is telling us.

First, notice the words "no end to the increase of His government or of peace." This is not a temporary reign, nor is it a reign that would be interrupted. It is a reign that would begin and continually expand. In Luke 1:32-33 the angel says of Jesus, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." The connection is clear. Jesus is the promised King. His rule began in His resurrection and ascension, and it has been growing ever since.

Isaiah also says that this government would be established and upheld "with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore." This reign is not characterized by worldly power, but by perfect justice and righteousness. Psalm 89:14 says, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You." The government of Christ is not like the governments of men. His rule is not based on corruption or force, but on the unchanging character of God Himself.

Moreover, Isaiah assures us that "the zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this." It is not by human effort that the kingdom grows. It is by the fervent determination of God. As Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." The expansion of His kingdom does not depend on political movements or worldly kingdoms. It is by the Spirit and power of God.

Many in Jesus day expected a political Messiah. They thought He would overthrow Rome and establish a worldly throne. But Jesus told Pilate in John 18:36 "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting, so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." His kingdom would grow quietly, powerfully, and irresistibly, like leaven in a loaf, as He described in Matthew 13:33.

What does this mean for us today? It means that Christ is reigning now. It means that His government is increasing. Though we do not always see it with earthly eyes, the gospel is advancing, His justice is prevailing, and His peace is spreading in the hearts of those who believe. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place."

Isaiah 9:7 is not about a future kingdom yet to come. It is about the reign of Christ that began when He ascended to the throne. It is about the ongoing increase of His peace and righteousness through the world. We are not waiting for Him to become King. He is already King. Psalm 110:1 says, "The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet." He is seated, ruling, and reigning now.

Therefore, let us walk by faith and not by sight. Let us trust that the zeal of the Lord of armies is accomplishing His plan. Let us submit to His righteous rule in our hearts and proclaim His kingdom to the world. The increase will have no end. His peace will never fail. His justice will never waver.

As Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

Amen.