“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 Focus: “Behold Your King”
Who do you talk to when you need advice, counsel, or a listening ear? It probably depends on the situation. 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 look past the Christmas manger and behold our King, 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 the Word of God is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path, showing him the way to go (119:5). Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, wrote that the glorious Light of Christ reveals everything 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.”
James, in 1:5 (NASB) of his letter, teaches along these lines, as well, confirming God will provide wisdom to all who ask:
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 is seated 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, 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 Wonderful Counselor.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 10:11, 14:25-26; Ephesians 5:13; Proverbs 2:6; Psalm 23, 119:5; James 1:5; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25
