Isaiah 9:6-7, 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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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 Yahweh of hosts will do this.
There is a sharp contrast between governments in today’s reading. When Jesus comes as a child, the government would be upon His shoulder, meaning not only does He exercise authority over all worldly government, but also He upholds every government. He causes every government to rise and fall. This does not mean He loves corrupt government and leaders, for He is the Prince of Peace. He desires peace above all else, not violence, subterfuge, and discord.
Worldly government directly contrasts with Jesus’ government, that is, God’s kingdom. Today’s kingdoms rise and fall; they are all temporary. Even America will meet its end some day. Yet Jesus’ government—God’s kingdom—has no end, for it is not of this world (John 18:36). His kingdom will increase forever and ever with His peace, justice, and righteousness. This kingdom has come to us now already in Christ, and it is the kingdom for which we await.
The Lutheran Column 