Wonderful Counsellor

WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR

22ND DECEMBER 2020  |  MARGARET ICKE
This year we’ve witnessed our world leaders needing “wise counsel” as they make tough decisions balancing economic growth with people’s wellbeing. It seems a “wonderful counsellor” would be greatly appreciated. Make things right again!
 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
 
Isaiah, who spoke the very words of God, said the person who would be God’s future eternal King would in fact be a “Wonderful Counsellor” – making things right again! He would provide hope in a gloomy situation.
 
In the Bible we read the “wonderful” come alive in the person and works of Jesus. He constantly reveals His true identity by His power and authority to teach, to heal the sick, to raise the dead, to forgive sin. He Himself is the wonder!
 
But why be given the name “counsellor”?
 
When we think of the word counsellor we almost think of a therapist. But the Bible speaks of the Messiah like a “counsellor at law” – like a defense attorney who is sympathetically on and at your side, but not merely to comfort you. They also may be hard and have challenging things to say to you, yet always in order to help your case and cause.
 
Jesus describes himself as our advocate counsellor who took our punishment for sin:
“If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 2:1-2.
 
As you depend on the saving work of Jesus’ work on the cross you are now justified in the divine court of law. In other words, Jesus comes alongside you and says to God “My blood was shed for this person. I know them. They now stand righteous and perfect in your sight”. Wow, what a wonderful counsellor!
 
This is a great reminder to us as we live with COVID 19 seemingly robbing us of our freedoms and those things that bring us comfort and identity. The Wonderful Counsellor has made things right, so we carry no shame and guilt but a sure and certain hope of eternal life where there will be no more tears or pain or pandemics.