Jesus Is Our Wonderful Counselor
Long before the birth of Jesus, God gave Isaiah, the prophet, words that would paint a picture of who this Messiah would be.
“For unto us a child is born…And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Jesus is called “Wonderful Counselor.”
How do these two words help us understand the many facets of Jesus as the promised Savior?
“Wonderful” describes something so interesting, admirable, and excellent that you can’t help but be drawn to it.
Consider the people and things you call “wonderful” in your life. Maybe it’s the simple pleasures of a hot cup of coffee while reading your favorite book. Maybe it’s a walk with a faithful friend, the sounds of children laughing, or an accomplishment, or a good report.
Now, consider what makes Jesus “wonderful” :
– The good news of Jesus is the message of God’s wonderful grace (Acts 20:24).
– Through Jesus, your grief turns into wonderful joy ahead (John 16:20).
– Through Jesus, you can have a wonderful new relationship with God because he has made you a friend of God (Romans 5:11).
– Through Jesus, you have been given God’s wonderful gift of the forgiveness of sins (Romans 5:15).
– Through Jesus, you have received God’s wonderful gift of righteousness to live in triumph over sin and death (Romans 5:17).
– Through Jesus, you have been called out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).
– The good news of Jesus is a wonderful message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Some people call Christmas “the most wonderful time of the year,” with a song to affirm it. Christmas points to the most “wonderful” person who ever lived, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is full of unfailing love and faithfulness (watch the latest message on the promise of God’s unfailing love as revealed through the life of Jesus).
He loves you unconditionally without compromising the truth.
He holds the standard of right and wrong without keeping a record of wrongs.
Jesus is also called “Counselor.”
A “counselor” is one who generously gives wisdom to those who are seeking it. “Counsel” comes from a root word that means “to apply for advice.”
In other words, counsel is never forced on someone who does not want it, but it is a gift to be received.
“If you love me,” Jesus said to his disciples, “Obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth” (John 14:15-17a).
Jesus, the advocate for all people, pointed to another advocate who will be your help, personally. The Holy Spirit is given to you as your advocate, which means “comforter, encourager, and counselor.”
He is by your side, on your side, and ready to help you obey Jesus’ instructions (learn more about what it means to have the gift of the Holy Spirit).
“Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives,” Paul instructs. “Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves” (Galatians 5:16).
You may be facing an uncertain future. Or have questions with no answers. There is a human temptation to figure out problems on your own, and a human inclination not to ask for help.
Seek Jesus, the “Wonderful Counselor,” and you will find trustworthy counsel for your life.