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. Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Again Isaiah prophesies concerning the child to be born, the son to be given, the one whose name would be called Wonderful Counselor. He said, And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2 ESV)
Indeed the Lord Jesus Christ is the only person who could rightly fulfill this prophesy. The name Wonderful Counselor is a quality that distinguishes or separates him from all other counselors. The word “wonderful” denotes something that is above the ordinary such as a miracle. According to Barnes it is a word that is suited to excite amazement, wonder and admiration. The word “counselor” denotes one who is high in rank and in a position near princes and kings. Since Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2) he is in a position to counsel the entire human race because he perfectly knows the mind and will of God and has from eternity (John1:1, 14). His counsel is unmatched because in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). Christ Jesus became to us wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30).
One notable trait of a good counselor is that he gives wise, sound advice. Jesus, being the Word, gives us counsel from the very wisdom of God written in scripture, the bible. The psalmist knew this well when he wrote; Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
It is in the scriptures that we find our way to salvation, the forgiveness of sin. The words of Christ counsel us on how to find comfort in afflictions, the meaning of trials, healing for our pain and how to walk in the ways of righteousness and holiness. In God’s word we learn how to rear our children, love our spouses and deal with difficult relationships. We also get counsel on how to relate to our employers and employees, treat our fellow man and function in the household of God. In fact, all things that pertain to life and godliness are found in the bible (2 Peter 1:3) and every word of God proves true (Proverbs 30:5).
Another notable trait of a good counselor is that he is compassionate toward those he counsels. He earnestly desires their welfare and seeks to remedy their pain. Such a trait was evident in Jesus. In his gospel, Matthew wrote of Jesus, When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36 ESV) His compassion led him to heal their sick (Matthew 14:14). Jesus is our perfect Wonderful Counselor because, . . .we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 ESV) Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)
Jesus exceeds all other counselors. He gave his life for us and being raised from the dead, lives to pray for our spiritual health and holiness. Though at times he may seem far away, Jesus always hears the cries for help from those he loves (Psalm 18:6). He has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
Do you know this Wonderful Counselor? Have you trusted in his words?
Scriptures for meditation:
Psalms 16:7; 73:24