Read:
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Ponder:
“Wonderful Counselor” is the first title referring to the Messiah promised in Isaiah 9. It was a promise of hope to Israel, amid an Assyrian invasion, of the coming Savior who would deliver His people and establish His kingdom. This verse describes both the humanity and divinity of Christ. The prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ and will reach its consummation at His second coming.
The word “wonderful” in its original language means “a miracle, a marvel, a wonder” which indicates “something extraordinary, incomprehensible, inexplicable.” In this passage the word “counselor” means “to advise, counsel, devise, purpose.” Both definitions combined reveal that the child will be miraculously born to become an amazing adviser who marvelously works in all things for God’s purpose because the Holy Spirit dwells in Him with all wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and honor to God.
There are several implications as to why Jesus is called Wonderful Counselor: one of the main ones centers around the fact that He is our ultimate Helper. Scripture speaks of our God as being a benevolent God. In the Old Testament, King David declared that Jehovah God is his helper (see Psalm 54:4) because God answered his prayers for deliverance from his enemies. In Isaiah 41:10 God also promised comfort and help for Israel from their idolatrous adversaries.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reminds us that while we live in this world, our enemy is not of flesh and blood, but of an evil spirit (see Ephesians 6:12). Many of the problems we have are spiritual, as well as physical or emotional. A victorious life is only possible when the Spirit of God is with us. With the sword of the Spirit (the word of God), we can resist the devil.
That’s why we must constantly seek help from God. Jesus Himself clearly stated that we can do nothing apart from Him (see John 15:5). When we read the stories of the birth, life and death of Jesus, we can know our God can understand our struggles and pains. God will never despise anyone who comes to Him. Knowing this truth, we may approach God with confidence in the name of Jesus to find help by His mercy and grace (see Hebrews 4:15-16). He is our Wonderful Counselor who even keeps praying for us (see Romans 8:34); there is simply no counselor in this world like Him.
Respond:
Jesus is called the Wonderful Counselor because He alone can give us guidance, help, and deliverance through His wisdom and miracles. What do you need to be guided in today? What have been your cries of help as of late? What are you needing to be delivered from? Go to God. Ask, seek, and knock. Believe!
