For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
and the government will rest on His shoulders;
and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)
Series: Our Savior, Our Hope
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The preparations for Christmas have begun. So many things to do: trim the tree(s), shop for gifts, bake the cookies, attend the parties, plan the family meals, and so much more. In all the hustle and bustle, are we keeping our focus—our hope—anchored in Jesus, our Savior?
The busyness of this season may cause us to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and financially strapped. Who do you talk to when you need advice, counsel, or a listening ear?
It depends on the situation, of course. You may seek a trusted friend, a pastor, or a psychologist for personal matters. Legal and financial professionals provide a variety of needed advocacy. Life and fitness coaches are also types of counselors. Anyone, personal or professional, offering help for the benefit and growth of others acts as a mentor, teacher, and guide.
No one is an expert in every subject, so we must seek help from others with our various situations. But, there is One who knows all, sees all, and will always lead in wisdom, righteousness, and truth: Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas and remember the gift of our Savior, let’s receive Him and know Him as our Wonderful Counselor.
A counselor brings light to a situation, whether it be wisdom, knowledge, or understanding. As we turn through the pages of the Bible, we see Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor in so many passages.
John begins his gospel declaring Jesus is the Word made flesh and the Light which dispels all darkness. The Psalmist expressed that the Word of God is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path, showing him the way to go (119:105). In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote that the glorious Light of Christ brings to light all things hidden in the dark (5:13). The light of Christ pierces the darkness and overcomes it, bringing knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (NASB) says:
For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
An advocate or mentor also teaches and guides. We see this in Christ through the 23rd Psalm. David tells about the Lord being His Shepherd; and in John 10, Jesus professes He is the good Shepherd. In verse 3 (NASB), David wrote:
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
And Jesus, in John 14:25-26 (NASB), stated He would have to go, but He would send His Spirit in place of Him to be our Helper, Counselor, and Advocate:
“These things I have spoken to you while remaining with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.”
In his letter, James confirms that God will provide wisdom to those who ask, as he teaches in 1:5 (NASB).
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Finally, an Advocate will speak for, plead for, defend, and intercede for others. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor—our High Priest—who came to earth as a baby, lived among us to teach us, died to overcome sin for us, resurrected to save us, and sits at the right hand of the Father where He makes intercession for us. He is our great Defender, our wise Teacher, our compassionate Helper, and our powerful Advocate.
As we pass through the days ahead and engage in all our holiday plans, before we seek the counsel of humankind in whatever matter, let’s pursue truth, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and guidance that can only come from Jesus—the Word made flesh—the Light of the world—our Savior, our Hope, and our Wonderful Counselor.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6; Psalm 23, 119:105; Ephesians 5:13; Proverbs 2:6; John 10:3, 14:25-26; James 1:5
