“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6
Into a world of pain, hopelessness and confusion, a Savior came. He arrived as a child, fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament. There had been a gap of silence from the days of Malachi until John the Baptist. There was no word from heaven. John's arrival prepared the way for the coming Messiah.
The Messiah's arrival was unobserved by most at the time. Lowly shepherds were told of the King's birth. How fitting it was for shepherds to be witnesses to the arrival of the Good Shepherd. With a mixture of curiosity and excitement, they came to where the little child was. They found Him in a manger, which seems to be an appropriate place to find a Lamb.
The prophet wrote, “... unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.” Not just any child. Not just any son. He is the Son of God. While the world wishes to keep Jesus in the manger, we know that the child became a man. He came into the world as the spotless Lamb of God, not contaminated with sinful impurities. While He came from the womb of a woman, His Father is divine. God came to earth as a man. This man would walk the shores of Galilee. He would teach words that we still cherish today. He performed miracles that changed lives. He would ultimately die as a sacrificial Lamb, giving His life for our sins.
Isaiah wrote, “... his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor.” His Name is very special. Human lips are not worthy to speak His hallowed Name. Yet we have been given the privilege of accessing the Father through that Name. I have a hard time remembering all the passwords that web sites require. Without the correct password, I can't access my account on a web site. When it comes to accessing the Father, we don't have to memorize a series of letters and numbers. We just to remember one Name. We come to the Father through the Son, Jesus Christ.
Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be called, “Wonderful, Counselor.” A truly converted person will testify that He is wonderful. Words cannot convey how magnificent He is. His glory illuminates all of heaven. His mighty deeds testify of His greatness. We stand in awe of His eternal perfections. Yet know such a glorious God is also tenderhearted and compassionate. He cares about our suffering and tears. He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He has provided the grace we need in our time of need. He hears and answers our feeble prayers. He touches us and restores our health. He performs miracles that bring glory to His Name. He still saves sinners. He loves His enemies and works within them, making them His friends. He takes a poor beggar and robes him with royalty, adopting him into His family. Our Lord is truly wonderful!
Our text also says that He will be called, “Counselor.” Much is said about counseling these days. It isn't uncommon for someone to share that they are going to counseling. There are traumatic episodes that may lead us to seek outside help for our personal problems. Yet all of us have issues of the heart that require help. We must begin on our knees with the Lord. He is the counselor that we need. Every day, we need a counseling session with the Lord.
HE DIRECTS US
The Son of God came to earth to make us children of God. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us thank God that we were on His mind. He gave the very best of heaven for the very worst of humanity. He is wonderful. He is our counselor.
Have you had your counseling session with the Lord today?
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