“And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor…” (rf. Is. 9:6b)
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity over the years to complete two graduate degrees in counseling, namely in Human Services Counseling (M.A.) and in Pastoral Counseling (Th.M. in Practical Theology). Counseling from a Christian/Biblical point of view has always been important to me and integral to my ministry over all these years. I have seen this particular area of service grow exponentially and become an imperative part of and benefit to so many people.
In Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter nine, he foresees the coming of Messiah. Messiah will come out of “Galilee of the Gentiles” (vs. 1) as “a child born to us, a son given to us” (vs. 6a). This child is none other than the “Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (vs. 6c) who will rule from the “throne of David” (vs. 7a) and whose government will have no end.
However, the Messiah will also be the “Wonderful Counselor” as the text above describes. He will not only hear the words of His people and sympathize with their problems and issues, but, unlike most modern-day counselors, Messiah will provide wise insights and proven direction that will address the real needs of the hurting and despondent. He will not only share His counsel but will also exemplify it in His own life, showing us how we should respond as we follow Him by faith.
Since He is the “Wonderful Counselor”, Jesus the Messiah invites us to “cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us” (rf. I Pet. 5:7). It is not as if we are giving Him new information when we open our hearts and lives to Him. Rather, He knows we need to verbalize our issues to Him as a child would tell his/her parents what really is going on inside. And when words elude us, His Holy Spirit takes our feelings and translates them into clear communication with Christ (rf. Rom. 8:26). So, whether with or without an oral explanation, Jesus hears our hearts and prayers and addresses those things most needed to bring healing and restoration.
As we celebrate the first coming of Christ with all its festivities, let us not limit ourselves to seeing Him in the manger. Rather, let us remember that Jesus came not only to give us eternal life through His gift of salvation, but also to bless our lives in the present by being our “Wonderful Counselor”, one who knows us and understands our struggles better than we could ever grasp ourselves. Let us hear His wisdom and follow His example so that we will know His healing and restorative power personally.
