“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
REFLECTION
When Isaiah uses the words Wonderful Counselor to refer to the Messiah, the Christ, he indicated the kind of character the coming King has. We use the word “Wonderful” every day to mean something that is likeable, or pleasant, or lovely. Here the word wonderful literally means “incomprehensible.” We know that Jesus is wonderful in a way that is boggling to our mind. Jesus, in all his ways, is even wonderful beyond our own understanding. Jesus’ kind of wonderful is awe-inspiring and superior to any other kind, for he is perfect in every way.
The second part of Isaiah’s expression is the word “Counselor”. In my own ministry I have counseled hundreds of people, but I know that no matter how well I seek to counsel, at its best, it is imperfect. I am not always well qualified. But Jesus is the perfect and wise counselor. He is able to advise his people completely because he is qualified in ways no human counselor is. In Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. That includes the knowledge of all human nature. Jesus always knows what we are going through. He always knows the right course of action for us to take.
Christ the Lord, as our Wonderful Counselor, means that every day we can trust him to listen to our problems and guide us in the right direction. We can be absolutely certain he has our best interests at heart because he loves us more than anyone else could ever love us. And his love is so wide and deep (and wonderful) that we cannot fully understand it. Whatever perplexes you today, you can choose to rest in him as your Wonderful Counselor.
PRAYER
Father, we thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor. Thank you for being our protection and thank you for granting us counsel and wisdom when we seek your will. May every civil servant be a person of integrity, reliability and commitment; may those who serve do so by never seeking personal gain, status, or prestige. May the people and leaders of Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina have a reverent fear of you and look to you in repentance and saving faith. Amen.
Pray for States: Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina
Pray Focus: Civil Servants
Terry Pollard // Regional Coordinator, Church Ambassador Network
