WONDERFUL COUNSELOR!

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR!

INTRODUCTION Have you ever had a time in your life where you went through a particular difficult season and needed to seek counsel and wisdom? Maybe you sought Godly counsel from the pastor? Perhaps even a professional counselor? Whether you needed to seek professional counseling or a word from the Lord, it is always right to seek wisdom. The Lord promises that if you need wisdom, we can ask, and He provides wisdom to those who seek wisdom. In fact, James 1: 5 says: If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (NLT). WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Amplified Bible "Wonderful Counselor" is a biblical title for the Messiah, found in Isaiah 9:6, describing Jesus as a source of awe-inspiring wisdom, divine guidance, and perfect counsel, a leader who doesn't need other advisors but is Himself the ultimate source of direction for life's big decisions, bringing hope, peace, and healing. That Isaiah calls the Messiah the “Wonderful Counselor” indicates the kind of character this coming King has. The word wonderful in this passage literally means “incomprehensible.” The Messiah will cause us to be “full of wonder.” The word is much weightier than the way it’s used in normal conversation today—we say things are “wonderful” if they are pleasant, lovely, or the least bit likable. Jesus is wonderful in a way that is boggling to the mind. The same word for “wonderful” is used in Judges 13:18 when Manoah, Samson’s father, asked the LORD (in a theophany) what His name was. The angel of the LORD responded, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” In other words, “Why do you ask my name, since it is beyond your understanding?” Meaning of the Title Wonderful (Hebrew: pala): Signifies something miraculous, marvelous, and beyond full human comprehension. Counselor (Hebrew: ya'ats): Refers to a wise advisor or director, a role usually held by kings, but here, the King is the counselor. Historical Context: Why Isaiah Foretold a ‘Wonderful Counselor’ The title, “Wonderful Counselor” comes from Isaiah 9:6 and refers to the Messiah as a divine guide with extraordinary wisdom and insight, fulfilled in Jesus. But what does Wonderful Counselor mean in Isaiah 9:6? In the historical context of Isaiah, the Kingdom of Judah faced threats from the surrounding nations while experiencing internal strife. This prophecy of the Messiah being the “Wonderful Counselor” offered hope for a future leader who would bring wisdom, guidance, and peace to the world. The prophet Isaiah’s audience was in a period of turmoil, both politically and spiritually, and the prophecy promised a ruler with divine wisdom—someone who would provide counsel and direction, ultimately fulfilling God’s plan for His people. In the context of Isaiah 9:6, it suggests that this figure would possess extraordinary insight and understanding rooted in divine revelation. The Meaning of ‘Wonderful Counselor’ in Hebrew and Theology The Hebrew term, “Wonderful” implies a sense of awe and marvel, while “Counselor” indicates a role of providing wise guidance. This duality highlights not only the character of the Messiah, but also His ability to offer profound insights into God’s will and purpose. Theologically, the title of “Wonderful Counselor” points to Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy. How does Jesus fulfill the role of Wonderful Counselor? His life and teachings are viewed as a divine revelation of wisdom and guidance for humanity, embodying the principles of love, justice, and mercy. Thus, the concept of Jesus being the wonderful counselor serves as a reminder of the need for divine guidance in times of uncertainty and struggle. Psalm 119:105: The Word as a Lamp and Guide Another Bible verse that supports Jesus’ title as “Wonderful Counselor” is Psalm 119:105. This verse, which states, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” is part of the longest chapter in the Bible, known for its poetic structure and deep emphasis on the importance of God’s law and word. What’s the meaning of ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet’ is Psalm 119? Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ signifies the guidance and clarity that God’s teachings offer for life’s journey. While the authorship of Psalm 119 is traditionally attributed to King David, many scholars suggest it may have been composed during the post-exilic period, around the 5th century BCE. This was a time when the Jewish community was redefining its identity and practice following their return from Babylonian exile. After the exile, the Jewish people faced the challenge of re-establishing their community and worship practices. The emphasis on God’s word in Psalm 119 reflects a desire to return to the teachings of the Torah as a guiding principle for life and community ethics. How Jesus Fulfills the Role of ‘Wonderful Counselor’ Today The metaphor of light in Psalm 119:105 signifies clarity, guidance, and moral direction. In ancient Israel, “walking in darkness” was often a metaphor for ignorance or moral failure. Thus, the psalmist underscores the belief that God’s word is essential for navigating the complexities of life. Psalm 119:105 reflects a period of renewal and commitment to God’s teachings within the Jewish community, serving as a powerful reminder of the role of scripture in providing guidance and identity. The ancient Jewish community thus clung to this Scripture for wisdom, ultimately alluding to and trusting God as their “Wonderful Counselor.” What does this mean for you this Christmas? Just like the Jewish people, many in our world today are walking in darkness. The pressure, stress, loneliness, and strife in our world can leave you longing for hope and guidance. Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor, born as a baby, who became man so we could have a relationship with God. This Christmas, you can experience Him as a light to your path, bringing you wisdom and hope! Significance in Christianity Fulfillment in Jesus: Christians believe Jesus perfectly fulfills this prophecy, offering wisdom for all life's challenges, from big decisions (jobs, moves) to relational and spiritual struggles. Source of Guidance: It points to Jesus as the one who provides personal counsel, reveals God's heart, and offers the "living water" of His Spirit, helping people find paths through pain and doubt. Complete Authority: As the Wonderful Counselor, He needs no other advice to rule perfectly, possessing ultimate authority and wisdom. How it Applies Today Personal Connection: Believers are encouraged to bring their deepest concerns, fears, and questions to God, trusting Jesus for honest, compassionate, and powerful guidance. Beyond Human Limits: It acknowledges that no human can fully grasp all aspects of a situation, but God, the Wonderful Counselor, can provide perfect direction. Jesus demonstrated His wonderfulness in various ways when He was on the earth, beginning with His conception in the womb of a virgin (Matthew 1:23). He showed He is the “wonderful” One in His power to heal (Matthew 4:23), His amazing teaching (Mark 1;22), His perfect life (Hebrew 4:15), and His resurrection from the dead (Mark 16:6). Jesus taught many wonderful things that are counterintuitive to the human mind: “Blessed are those who mourn” ( Matthew 5:4). “Rejoice and be glad” in persecution (Matthew 5: 11-12). “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). Jesus’ kind of wonderful is awe-inspiring and superior to any other kind, for He is perfect in every way (Matthew 5:48). The second part of the Messiah’s title is the word counselor. In ancient Israel, a counselor was portrayed as a wise king, such as Solomon, giving guidance to his people (I Kings 4:34; Micah 4:9). Isaiah uses this word again in 28:29 to describe the LORD: “This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” Jesus is a wise counselor. “He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person” (John 2:25). He is able to advise His people thoroughly because He is qualified in ways no human counselor is. In Christ is “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3), including the knowledge of all human nature (Psalms 139:1-2). Jesus always knows what we are going through, and He always knows the right course of action (Hebrews 4: 15-16). Christ’s position as our Wonderful Counselor means we can trust Him to listen to our problems and guide us in the right direction (Proverbs 3:6). We can be sure He is listening because He told us to pray to Him about our worries (Philippians 4:6; James 1:5). We can be certain He has our best interests at heart because He loves us (I John 4:19). And His love is so wide and deep (and wonderful) that we cannot fully understand it (Romans 5:8). No matter what you face, you can trust the wonderful counselor. Father God, Thank you that our Messiah, is our wonderful counselor. He is our source of guidance and complete authority and in Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. You have also promised that when we need wisdom can we ask you for wisdom and you would give us wisdom. So wonderful counselor, we acknowledge you. You are SO WONDERFUL. Your ways are beyond our understanding and we marvel at the power and majesty of you. Mighty God and Prince of Peace.Help us to seek you as the counselor that you are. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen