Mr. Etheridge was my guidance counselor in middle school. He was a kind man and always very patient. He continually gave me great advice and didn’t mind spending time listening to my problems, heartaches, and middle school woes. He was a great counselor and spoke the right words at just the right time. After all, middle school was a very tumultuous time for me. I began to notice girls, but they never noticed me. Of course, their excuse was that we were just too good of friends. Right….. I wanted to play on the middle school basketball team, but they didn’t want me to play. They said I was too short. I couldn’t get from class to class on time because my locker was on the other side of the school. The lock on my locker would never open on the first try. My English teacher didn’t like me because I was always unprepared for class and never read ahead. And, the only reason I passed my math class was because my teacher was a friend of my family. So, as you can see I had a truckload of problems. Let’s just say I had issues. Some would say I still do, but that’s for another day. As great a counselor as Mr. Etheridge was, and as great as his advice for me was at the time, there was another counselor in history who continues to leave all other counselors in the dust. Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6 explains that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor. The word “wonderful” means something that is extraordinary or miraculous, and describes the counselor. The word “counselor” describes the way a king gives instruction to his people. Jesus as Wonderful Counselor was not ordinary in any way. In fact, Jesus was completely and unequally unique in that His counsel was and is always perfect, exceptional, and without any hesitation or error. When Jesus came to this earth, He came as our Wonderful Counselor.
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… Isaiah 9:6
You may be dealing with so many different kinds of hurts, questions, and feelings leading up to Christmas. For many of you, this is your first Christmas without a special loved one to share that special day. Some of you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that seeks to rob you of your joy. Some are recovering from serious surgeries. Some are facing some of the most economically dire times you’ve ever endured. Some are just trying to figure out life. Regardless of your situation, I want you to know that you have a Wonderful Counselor who has all the answers to your questions and difficulties. Here’s what we know.
- Jesus’ counsel is not simply good or interesting advice.
- Jesus’ counsel is not just some religious instruction.
- Jesus’ counsel is not a list of what to do and not do.
BUT,
- It’s always timely.
- It’s always encouraging.
- It’s always perfect.
It’s not a matter of knowing where to find the right counsel. It’s a matter listening. Here’s the rub. If you are going to hear the Wonderful Counselor this season, you must spend time in His word and allow His word to penetrate and saturate your hearts. Quality time in His word will provide unsurpassed and incomparable counsel at just the right time!