Lesson Five • Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
Dr. Randy T. Johnson
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:7
In the last 40 years, I have helped develop four Chinese churches in the Greater Detroit area. As a Pastor, my responsibilities have included children’s church, student ministry, young adults, and the English gatherings. When I speak during a Chinese gathering, I do have an interpreter with me. It is an exciting ministry.
I try not to get too involved with politics. However, I have one aspect where politics has been encouraging and that involves a local Chinese church. A couple of Chinese professors at Oakland University gave their lives to the Lord. They started inviting Chinese students to their homes for an authentic Chinese dinner. (It is common for there to be Chinese graduate students in our area due to the automotive impact of our area). Without fail, the question would arise, “What makes America great?” They would explain “politics” and our godly heritage. The students would ask how they could take this system back to China and Taiwan. The professors would point out that it is not really a system, but a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Students started getting saved and wanted to learn more. They preferred speaking in Mandarin, so instead of attending English-speaking churches, they started having Bible studies. These Bible studies grew “out of control,” so they rented a church and eventually built their own building. This is the purest form of church growth. It is beautiful. It is humorous that God has used “politics” to reach people with the need for the Gospel.
Isaiah 9:7 acknowledges that speaking about politics is not rewarding or encouraging. Peace and justice seem to be all too absent but desired. This verse follows a beautiful description of the Lord, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” It is the Lord who will usher in His Kingdom. He will rule. Those who have given their life to Jesus and follow in His ways will reap the benefits of this new beautiful government. Talking about politics will then be much more fulfilling.
God has blessed America. It is time for America to bless God.