Quite recently there was a new government sworn into power in Nigeria. Naturally there was a renewed sense of change and some glimmer of hope, albeit quite alloyed with mixed feelings based on experiences garnered from irascible past governments. Even at that, there’s a general phenomenon with Humans. Irrespective of how good a government has been, there’s always a belief that better can be done. I wholly buy into this thought as well, because we live in an imperfect world where change is constant.

We all very well participate in the undulations of this particular thought motion of renewed expectancy. Everybody loves to have some level of progression in some way. For professionals and paid employees, they expect renewed terms of service and better pay packages when they hear that a new board has taken over the affairs of the firm they work for, even when the former board was great. For sports lovers, they want their teams to win all the available laurels year in year out and in style as well. For students, there’s always an expectation that academic facilities, student welfare and standards will be improved whilst tuition rates are sustained at a previous rate or even reduced by a new administration. The list is endless. The facts established show that a form of government rules our thoughts, anticipations and actions in life.

Whilst I ruminated on our acts and expectations based on different forms of governments that rule our daily decisions, my conscious mind was stung by the illumination in Isaiah 9:6. It says  “A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (God’s Word Version). Ironically this verse is mostly quoted at Christmas day services, but in real sense, it is the mantra that should govern Christianity. This verse clearly defines Jesus, His authority and unmatchable nature. It says, “the government” not “a government”, which in effect means every authority in Heaven and earth. It says “Wonderful Counselor”, which in effect means that His counsel and ideas can’t be matched by any known or unknown authority. He’s infallible by every standard ever and will ever be. It says “Mighty God and Everlasting Father”, describing His Imperial divinity and everlasting durability. It says “Prince of Peace”, which means that he that relies on Him is safe and sound. With all these qualifications He is truly matchless. None has ever been and will ever be described this way (Rev.1:8).

Given the quality of the personality described in Isaiah 9:6, it’s logical to conclude that allowing Jesus govern all aspects of our life will put us on the best pedestal for success. Any decision that does not emanate from your sense of completeness in Christ is totally against the will of God, because God has given us all we need in Christ (Col.2:10, 2Pet.2.3-4). We need to allow Jesus govern our lives, because He’s the owner (1Cor.6:19-20). He paid the price we should have paid, He’s the governor (Rom.5:6 & 12-15, Rom.6:23). Allow Him rule and you’ll be fruitful in all your ways.

“She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus [He Saves], because he will save his

people from their sins.”  (Mat.1:21)

“My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:19)

Emeka Ofia