The Prophecy of Christ: Wonderful Counselor

Every Christmas season, you will likely hear the passage in Isaiah that tells the prophecy of the coming Messiah. Maybe you’ve heard it so often that you’ve grown passive to it and don’t let it sink in, or perhaps you’ve never heard it. Whatever feelings or thoughts you have about this verse, they do not negate the fact that it is rich in truth, hope, and victory for those who believe in Christ. 

“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.” – Isaiah 9:6  

What a verse! Let’s break it down because context is helpful for everyone.  

This prophecy was written nearly six hundred years before Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (1). Just imagine the relief and hope that washed over the people of Judah when the prophet Isaiah wrote of this coming Messiah who would be the Savior of the world. Several prophecies were written during this time. The land of Israel was in a time of exile and persecution, living in a time of darkness. They knew the arrival of this King would be monumental, changing the trajectory of human history. If we backtrack a little bit to verse two, it reads,   

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” –  Isaiah 9:2 

God promised them that a mighty light would shine upon them in the deep darkness—this great light meaning Jesus, who would be all-loving and all-powerful.   

Fast-forward to around six hundred years in the future. A child was born to a virgin in a manger, and they called His name Jesus. A great light shined upon the earth, and a son was given. Thus, Isaiah’s prophecy was brought to fruition—in God’s timing.   

Through Jesus’ life on earth and even now through the Holy Spirit, He embodied each of the names given to Him in Isaiah’s foretelling. When we are in Christ, we get to understand and experience what each of those names means for us!   

So, what does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor?  

When we hear the word ‘counselor,’ we may automatically think of a trained therapist or psychologist who gives advice or helps us sort through difficulties in life. These professionals are great resources when we need them. Jesus is our wonderful counselor in the sense that He is full of wonder and awe and counsels us through all of life.   

Jesus is both all-knowing and all-loving. He sees and knows all. He sees the full scope of things; He stands outside of it all and has His hand in it.   

When we face moments of uncertainty or don’t know what to do next or what step to take, we can run to Jesus. We can go to Him with anything. He offers good counsel; He is full of wisdom. Not only does He give us guidance and advice, but He also makes plans—a plan of salvation and a plan for each of our lives.   

Nothing shocks God. He is our ever-present help in times of need, ready and available at any moment we need Him. Jesus is with us always; He sees and knows all.   

Jesus has been called the Good Shepherd. A shepherd tends to their flock, keeps watch over them, leads them, and protects them. He is our Good Shepherd; Jesus knows the best path for us. Who better to trust than the one who established the plan for our life and the one who paid the price for our sin, making a plan of salvation to rescue us from the penalty of sin? 

David wrote in Psalm 23, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:2-3  

We can trust our shepherd and our wise counselor to guide us in the right ways, even when we can’t bring ourselves to move.   

Our Wonderful Counselor has the answers for everything. He knows what we are facing, the struggles we have, and what our future holds. When we stumble into moments of misunderstanding or worry about what step to take next, He is near to listen and guide us. And through it all, His love never ceases for us.   

If you feel stuck or are struggling with the next steps in a situation or just in life, can I encourage you to lean in and bring it to Jesus? He is willing to answer our requests, not always how we would like Him to, but in the best way for us. Even when He answers in ways we don’t understand, in His timing, we will see and understand, even if it’s not until we meet Him face to face.   

I won’t sugarcoat it—life is hard. We face distress and darkness, and we experience loss and discomfort. Jesus never promised we would have it easy, but He does offer salvation, counsel, love, comfort, and protection.   

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29  

This Christmas season I pray you can find moments of peace and rest. Obey these words from Jesus, cast your burdens on Him, take His yoke; for He will direct our steps. We can trust and let our Wonderful Counselor take control, our burdens and lives are safe in His hands.