I found Levi in the Baggage Claim at Denver International Airport.

Scripture
“…on his shoulders….” Isaiah 9:6

Observation
There are some wonderful Christmas promises in this verse. Jesus will be God who is strong enough to handle our problems, our forever Father who will never leave us alone and the Prince who brings peace. But none of this will happen unless the government is “on his shoulders.” It is only as Jesus is in total control that there is anything that God can do. If I am determined to stagger on with the load on my back I will feel weak, alone and fearful. But when the government is on the shoulders of Christ then Jesus truly is Lord and can carry what I cannot.

Application
I just took an online personal stress test. It’s the kind that measures different life experiences and puts a numerical score against them. Those with 300 points or more have “high susceptibility to stress related illness” which could be “mild-frequent tension headaches, acid indigestion, loss of sleep to more serious problems like ulcers, migraines lower back pain, etc.”. I scored 357 points. Well at least I aced one test of late!

Obviously I need the Prince of Peace to take the government of my life on his shoulders. My prayers don’t have enough elastic today to ask for peace in Iraq but enough to say, “Jesus be the one who bears responsibility for my life.” Of course with that I must also accept that he calls the shots.

Prayer
Okay Jesus, my life is yours. I’ve prayed that when I was young and idealistic. I ask it now with a few more miles on the clock. Be Lord of my life for I need a Lord today. You can run my life and take over my life. Jesus you are my Lord, let me ride on your shoulders today. Amen.