There’s a scripture text that shows up scores of times during this Christmas season. Many of us who’ve heard it since we were children can likely recite it from memory. Even people who don’t regularly attend church services probably are familiar with it. It comes from Isaiah 9:6:
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, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I want to zero in on the names given to this Christ Child in this text. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like I’ve always noticed the last three and skimmed right past Wonderful Counselor. So today’s post will look only at this first descriptor of Jesus. Two little words that are packed with hope and encouragement.
But before we delve deeper into what that might mean for us, I’d like to talk first about what our human definition of a wonderful counselor might be. Admittedly, I’ve not been to an official counselor, but I have found great counsel from friends and pastors and even strangers through their writings.
On that basis, here are some of the qualities I believe are desirable in an earthly counselor:
- Good Listener – How can a counselor be effective if they don’t give you an opportunity to share your particular troubles?
- Hear Your Heart – More important than listening to your story is being able to “read between the lines” and get to the heart issue you may be struggling with.
- Experience – While it’s not necessary for a counselor to have experienced every trouble that their clients may present to them, it’s still beneficial to have a counselor who understands what it means to face a struggle and make it out to the other side. A Christian counselor must understand the source of that Power.
- Non-Judgmental – Honestly, I cringe at the idea of a counselor telling me that I’m doing everything wrong! Even if there’s some truth to it. Having the ability to compassionately navigate through some misconceptions or untruths that I might hold is a powerful attribute.
- Balance – Here I’m talking about the delicate balance between letting the client work through their own issues versus throwing out numerous suggestions on ways to fix whatever problem brought them to this counselor. Don’t just give us fish; teach us how to fish.
I’m sure there are many more bullet points that could be added, but let’s leave it with this for now. If an earthly counselor had all these characteristics, they would be a great “find” for anyone looking for some emotional or spiritual help.
Is this the kind of wonderful counselor that Jesus is? I would venture to say he definitely would have all of these attributes in spades. But, of course, it goes SO much deeper. How grateful that we can find perfection in the Wonderful Counselor that began his journey on earth in that manger.
Here are some of the ways that Jesus leaves earthly counselors in the proverbial dust:
- “Wonderful” in the original translation actually means miraculous – beyond human explanation. Not just a counselor that makes you feel good or gives you a few helpful insights. A counselor that can work MIRACLES in your life!
- “Counselor” in biblical context often meant that of a King providing counsel to his people. That’s a pretty clear analogy! Jesus is our King and we are his people. How fortunate we are!
- Jesus’ wisdom transcends anything that an earthly counselor would possess. Even when Jesus was found teaching in the temple at age 12, the people marveled at his wisdom. In short, Jesus knows EVERYTHING!
- Jesus doesn’t just have wise words; he can actually pour his power into your solution. Maybe it does eliminate your particular trouble. Or maybe Jesus gives you a new perspective. Or…maybe you begin to understand that the ONLY power to overcome your trial ultimately comes from God.
- Jesus has experienced everything necessary to understand our heartaches. In Hebrews 4:15, we learn that “… we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus gained enough experience in his short earthly life to be able to relate to ANYTHING we are struggling through. He intimately understands our heartache.
- Jesus never takes a vacation. He doesn’t just see you in his office every other week. He doesn’t require you to leave a text or voice message when you need to reach him. He is always with us. His spirit has taken up permanent residence in our hearts if we’ve surrendered our lives to Jesus.
Just as with the earthly counselor, this list is pitifully incomplete, because a short blog post can’t begin to do justice to the power available through our Wonderful Counselor.
if you are grieving a loss, struggling with a family conflict, battling an addiction, trying to make sense of abuse, or any other heartache during this holy time of year, be reminded of this. Jesus has more compassion, wisdom, encouragement, power and availability than anyone whose office you could walk into.
Yes, for sure take advantage of solid Christian counseling to help you through the curveballs life throws at you. They can definitely be a resource from God. But remember all that Jesus brings to your hurting world. Minute by minute, for the rest of your life, he is available, willing, able, and longing to be your personal Wonderful Counselor.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,
in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3
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