Royal Name of the Infant King: Wonderful Councelor
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 4 viewsNotes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
I am excited and have been anticipating this moment right here.
I have been captivated by our advent series for some time now a
And like a child on Christmas morning haven’t been able to sleep due to awaiting this day.
But first, let me tell you that my goal is to not only declare another story.
My goal is not to just read a text and tell you what it means lone.
But my hope is that you experience this Scripture.
Embrace the reality of this Scripture.
May this Scripture encourage our day to day life and awaken the joy of this season
By focusing on the one this season ultimately points towards.
Today we look back in time some 2700 years ago to the prophecy of the coming Messiah.
To a time of turmoil and uncertainty.
To a time of fear and calamity
To a time of desperation and hopelessness.
It is here that our story takes place.
It is hear in the darkness that we begin to see a light.
But, isn’t that how all good stories begin?
Why then would the greatest story be any different?
It would be easy however, in a season of make believe, to think that what we are going to talk about, is just another story.
Perhaps even with the sub-title “based on true events.”
However, what we shall discover together is this story is not one of make believe or even hints of truth.
But, a story that was not only foretold, but has indeed come true.
This is not a story of a fairytale but an epic tale of who’s main character is the most unexpected.
Let us now go to the Word of God and if you are able to, let me invite you to stand with me, for the reading.
We will be in the Old Testament book of Isaiah chapter 9, verse 6.
Hear the inerrant and infallible Words of God.
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.
Welcome to our Advent Series: The Royal Name of the Infant King.
You may be seated.
For the next 4 weeks we will look at these 4 names, these 4 titles, these 4 attributes of this Infant King.
and we will end our journey on Christmas morning, right here, when we seek to discover the meaning behind Prince of Peace.
To hear about the coming Messiah would be welcomed news at any season during any generation.
We, 2700 years later, are anxiously awaiting the second coming of our Messiah
However, what was going on at this particular moment brings forth much anticipation
Let’s try to imagine, if we can time travel in our minds, to Judah, the norther Kingdom of the Promised Land around the time of 700 BC.
What do you see? What do you hear?
Is there joyful celebrations happening?
Perhaps outbursts of praises echoing through the streets to the One true God?
If those images come to mind, you are in the wrong story, because this story begins much differently.
This story begins with fear and uncertainty.
In Chapter 8 we see God’s judgement coming upon the people of Judah as the Assyrian Army marches upon them.
The Assyrians were an army that didn’t play by any set of rules.
They were savage and barbaric, they were brutal and cruel.
They left destruction and desolation in the wake of their conquests.
And this ruthless army was heading for them.
A man by the name of Sennacherib (Sin-ack-cra-num) recorded the words of the Assyrian King speaking of how he attacks cities & nations.
Imagine hearing what I am about to read and knowing that this army was on its way.
The Assyrian king says:
The cities and its houses from its very foundations to its top I destroy. I devastated. I burned with fire. Through the midst of the city I dug canals. I flooded its site with water in the very foundations there of, I destroyed. I made its destruction more complete than that by a flood. That in days to come in the sight of that city and its temples and its god might not be remembered. I completely blotted it out with floods of water, and made it like a meadow.
How terrifying would this be. They were bigger, stronger, and more battle ready than the Jews.
We may be tempted in our context to liken it to the Ukraine being invaded by Russia.
However we see the rest of the world aiding Ukraine and if Russia crosses a line, it will have grave consequences and perhaps WW3.
The Jews had no such help and no such backup.
During this time there was nothing in the way of protection and nothing in the way of what can and cannot be done, accept God.
The Israelites, as a whole, had God’s protection upon them as long as they were faithful.
However, that was the great problem, Israel and Judah were anything but faithful during this time.
What was terrifying at this point is that God lifted His hand of protection over Judah and brought forth the consequences of Judah’s rebellion in the form of judgement from the Assyrians.
God’s judgement was being given and we see the despair and anguish in the last verse of chapter 8.
Speaking of the Judah, Isaiah says:
And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.
Now, you may be saying this doesn’t seem to be getting me in the Christmas Spirit, and you would be right.
But, to fully grasp the greatness of what we are about to hear, witness, and experience, we have to know the opposite end as well.
Isn’t it true, that it is in the worst parts of life that the greatest part seems all the more sweeter?
Illustration: Losing Logan:
Nothing races my heart and builds my anxiety more than when Logan, my autistic son, goes missing or slips away.
(This happened just this week when we went to Busch Gardens, but He has done it here at church and even from our old house.)
My mind races with fear and heart pounds like one who is terrified of what might happen.
But, by the grace of God, when we find him, my fear turns to celebration. My anxiety turns to peace and joy.
The same thing is happening here but on a much grander scale.
But to see the grandness of the rescue we must endure first the fear.
We won’t see the greatness of what we are about to discover until it is contrasted with the depths of anguish that is experienced before.
Let’s now look to the first verse of chapter 9:
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
(Zeb-U-lan & Naf-tali)
That first word, But, that is our transition and the hope for what is about to come.
There is no gloom for her who was in anguish.
Meaning that those who make it through this judgement, they are going to have their anguish removed, their gloom lifted.
Like the moment I embrace my son, my anguish is removed, and my gloom is lifted.
Except this will be on a larger scale.
Isaiah says that what is about to happen is still true.
These lands will be destroyed and the Assyrians would come by the way of the sea, through the land of Galilee beyond the Jordon.
But see what is said here. God is going to make glorious out of what was just destroyed.
For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
We see the darkness and the consequences.
We see God’s patience and then just judgement.
We then see God’s mercy and grace extended in the immediate, as well as in the coming Messiah, and ultimately upon the second coming.
Let’s now jump into the poem that leads us to our verse today.
Just listen to this or read along if you have your Bibles opened to Isaiah 9.
Because I won’t be putting this part on the screen.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
We see hope spring forth from the ink of these pages.
joy is being increased, rejoicing has returned.
Using language the Israelites would be intimately aware of, harvest and war,
we see judgement turn to grace we see punishment turned to mercy.
Can you imagine what incredible joy would ignite the hearts of those under the most dire of situations?
When all would seem and feel lost, to have hope infused back into you?
Let me pause for a moment to ask you to ponder this in light of your current situation.
What season are you in right now.
Are you in the season of great light with increased joy and plentiful all around you? (Pause)
I’m a hopeless optimistic and often times find myself in this place whether or not it is true or not.
Or perhaps you are in a time of darkness, uncertainty, scared, and feel like you are about to be uprooted and overthrown at any moment.
Do you feel like perhaps God has lifted His hand of protection off of you?
This is really important. We see this all through Scripture but it is not popular to say.
In our current cultural environment it is all about positive motivational victories.
But, do you think it is possible that God is trying to call you into repentance and into a deeper and fuller relationship with Him?
Could it be that you have found yourself straying from God and leaning into things that are leading you to darkness instead of light?
Perhaps God, in His great love for you, is using this time to bring you to repentance like a Father will discipline His Son.
Not for his harm, but because for His good.
I do not claim to know every detail of what is happening, but I do know that God is over every situation, every event, and every moment.
In the situation with Judah it was their rebellion and disregard for God that caused God to bring forth judgement.
But, it was through the judgement that a great light was shone.
It is to this light that we now turn as we make it to our main text.
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.
One of the most famous verses to be read during Christmas time.
From the Candlelight Processional to Christmas Eve’s around the Christmas Tree.
It certainly is beautiful by itself, but how much more miraculous is it when we understand it within the greater context.
How much more inspirational would these prophetic words have been to the Israelites in their time of great sorrow and need. (Pause)
How much do you need to hear these words and know that this is the one who came, and also for us the one still to come.
It is in this greater context that we now seek out the names given to this Infant King.
Today we will explore what is meant by this child being called, Wonderful Counselor.
Then in the following weeks we will look at Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace on Christmas morning.
Let’s begin with the first word: Wonderful.
In the Hebrew, wonderful literally means incomprehensible, extraordinary, miraculous.
Can I just pause for a moment and say that our flippant use of the english language really does a disservice for moments that truly need the fullness of its definition.
We don’t use Wonderful in this way in our day to day language.
“Hey babe, did you hear I got a new telescope coming in!” Oh that’s wonderful dear.
Or my kids running in because they found a turtle on our property, “oh wonderful, now where are we going to keep that thing”
Or hearing that the Detroit Tiger’s signed a new starting picture this week and we might be turning things around. Wonderful.
Actually the Tigers turning around their team and actually being competitive would be extraordinary and miraculous.
So we might have a good point here.
But, by and large we throw this word around casually as if it means something pretty cool, slightly exciting, with a “Oh that’s nice” attitude.
So, when we hear that Jesus is Wonderful, we don’t feel it in our chest and our breath isn’t taken away.
But it should!
What does this word truly mean and how would the Jews receive the news of one that would be coming that is truly Wonderful?
First, we must see the greatness of this world and how the greatness of this world applies to the infant King.
Jesus would be incomprehensible, extraordinary, and miraculous.
Let’s think through incomprehensible.
The infant King is incomprehensible because Jesus would be fully God and fully man.
While we have a grasp on what it means to be human, we have zero concept of what it means to be God beyond what God has revealed.
To grasp all of the fullness of the God man would be beyond our abilities and comprehension.
Isaiah wants us to know that this infant King is greater, stronger, wiser, and more perfect than anything we have ever seen
And will ever see again.
Next, let’s look at another part of Wonderful and that is miraculous.
The infant king will be supernaturally powerful and great.
His mighty works will be displayed not only in that great generation but in every generation to come, including our own.
What is not able to be accomplished by man, what Judah and Israel would fail to achieve, what sin has destroyed,
What ground the enemy had gained, what loss had been endured, and what sorrow would have been felt, Jesus would be the answer.
That is something that will be miraculous and what we mean as we think of the Wonderful one.
The last nuance of Wonderful is extraordinary.
This infant King will be remarkable and worthy of our attention and focus.
Why? Because He is wonderful in the fullness of the word.
Jesus being extraordinary is actually an ending point of the Gospel itself.
For us to begin to grasp the fullness of God we need to know three things.
The first is the greatness of God which brings us to extraordinary aspect of our Lord.
The second is that we have sinned against our God and have actively rebelled against Him.
Third is that Jesus lived, died, and resurrected to bring us back into perfect union with God.
Jesus accomplished the extraordinary so that we could be in right relationship with God.
Jesus became sin in an extraordinary fashion so that our sin would be inputed to Him.
Jesus endured the wrath of God in an extraordinary way to be our propitiation and not only win but secure our salvation.
Jesus resurrected Himself along with the partnership of the Father and the Spirit and now advocates on our behalf.
This is extraordinary.
Lastly, Jesus will return and when He does....even extraordinary will not fully embrace what we will see as language will fail us in that moment. (Pause)
What is it about Jesus that blows our minds?
The Messiah will cause us to be “full of wonder.”
Here might be a difficult question for you to ponder this morning.
Are you in awe and wonder of Jesus?
Or am I going over your head? Do you not really see what all the fuss is about?
Perhaps you believe and truly are saved, but wish that you could see Jesus the way He is being revealed to us.
Hear me then: Jesus will be wonderful to you in proportion to the depth of relationship you have with Him. (Repeat)
Do you think Jesus is pretty good, or a great opportunity? Do you see Jesus as a “get out of jail” or a Genie that is there to grant wishes?
If so, then Jesus won’t be all that more wonderful than that of a descent friend or a good deal or a lucky break.
To think of Jesus in this way would be greatly missing out on the height and depth and width and length of who Jesus truly is.
The 10 tribes that made up the land of Judah needed to hear the news of a Wonderful Infant King.
Today is no different for you and I: We need a Wonderful Jesus.
Everyone out these doors needs a Wonderful Jesus.
And guess what? That is what is so incredible about the church. We have Jesus as our own.
We are told to share Jesus with anyone who will listen, calling everyone to repent, turn from their sin, and embrace the good news.
Now that we have looked at Wonderful let’s look at our next word: Counselor.
Later in Isaiah we will see these words again, let’s look at them now.
This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
There are two aspects to counselor that we must understand which is which.
On one hand a Counselor is a Senior officer, a ruler, a leader.
This Infant is in fact King and that would certainly be applied to Jesus as well.
Jesus would be referred to as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
What this means is that Jesus has power to exercise absolute dominion over all His realm.
Jesus is the Creator of all and thus Jesus is the Ruler of all.
To see Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor we can look to Hebrews in the third verse.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Jesus Created the universe and upholds the Universe.
There is no Senior official higher than Jesus, there is no President or King or Ruler above Jesus or even on the same plain.
Often times someone would refer to Lucifer as being equal with Jesus.
However, Jesus Created Lucifer and rules and reigns over Lucifer.
The devil can only work within the confines allowed.
Let’s look at one of my favorite books in the bible, Ephesians to see the greatness of this Wonderful Counselor.
far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Jesus was given all things and rules all things and has authority over all things and has power and dominion over all things.
His name is above every name that can be named.
This reality of the power, might, and authority of Jesus could be terrifying to you and bring forth fear.
While we certainly should have a healthy and biblical fear of the Lord, an adoration and awe of His power.
We must remember that Jesus put forth His power and authority to not only Create us, but to Save us as well.
It is here that we move into the other aspect of Counselor and that is one of Wonderful Wisdom.
A Counselor is one who gives wisdom.
But, with Jesus, it isn’t just general wisdom, it is extraordinary wisdom.
Paul would later tell us this very thing about Jesus.
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
You may say that Jesus, being the Creator of all things and very God of very God may have a slight advantage in the wisdom and knowledge category.
And you would certainly be right.
Jesus not only has wisdom and knowledge, Jesus is wisdom and knowledge.
Jesus is our standard upon whom we rest upon and look to and test from.
When we need answers, when we have questions, when we are unsure of a direction, we seek wisdom and seek guidance.
Let me ask you this: Who is it that you look to when making major decisions or minor decisions in life?
Where do you seek principals and insights?
Many of us could answer with parents or wise family members.
Many of us have friends that we confide in that have steered us in good directions.
But, may I ask how often is your decisions covered in prayer and seeking Scripture for revelation?
One of my favorite ways of reading the bible is to read it with a question in mind, or a concept I would like to figure out.
I will read through it prayerfully asking God to reveal the areas He speaks about the questions that I have.
I will write down different verses I come across that speak to the situation that I am wrestling with.
It is through my readings that I glean the wisdom of my Creator and have greater insight in the path that I should follow.
It is also good to seek wisdom from your pastor. Not just matters of Spirituality but matters of life as well.
All of life is under God.
We should not only utilize Jesus in areas we think Jesus would be important in.
Jesus should be a part of every aspect of our lives.
There is no greater counsel and no greater wisdom to be had.
Isaiah is telling the people of Judah that this Wonderful Counselor will be all of this and so much more.
This Infant King will be the Messiah and will be the most Wonderful Counselor.
Though Judah is about to experience the just judgement of their rebellions and faithlessness.
Though Judah will greatly regret their turning from God.
God in His love and mercy will restore them and will protect them once again.
God in His infinite might and wisdom will bring forth a Savior.
God will bring forth His Son.
---------
As we begin this Advent season, the hope and purpose of our series is to bring to the forefront of our minds the awe and wonder of the Messiah.
As we look back 2700 years to this incredible prophecy.
As we think back 2000 years ago at His incredible Birth.
As we think about today and all that has been accomplished and continues to be accomplished.
We should be filled with hope, joy, peace, and purpose for this Christmas season.
Being that Jesus Wonderful means he is significant in any situation and above any person.
Jesus is bigger than any struggle and bigger than any sickness.
Jesus is greater than any government and greater than any nation.
Jesus is incomprehensible, miraculous, and extraordinary.
Being our Wonderful Counselor means we can go to Him in every moment of every situation.
We know that Jesus listens to us and will direct us.
Don’t forget the incredible truth found in Proverbs
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
We have no reason to worry or fear because Jesus hears us, listens to us, understands us.
Remember Jesus is not one who cannot relate to you and I.
But, Jesus was fully human and thus knows exactly what it is like to be us.
He knows the hurts, the pains, the sorrows and sadness.
He knows the difficulties and the decisions that need to be made.
He knows what it is like to be betrayed and abandoned.
Because Jesus came to this earth, Jesus not only hears us, but understands us.
What is probably the most incredible aspect of all of this is that this Wonderful Counselor loves us.
We love because he first loved us.
It is one thing to hear all of these miraculous and extraordinary aspects of Jesus.
But it would be no different than thinking about celebrities or sports stars that we admire off in a distance but have no real and meaningful contact with.
This is what should blow our minds.
Jesus not only is the Creator of everyone and everything.
Jesus is not only the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
But, Jesus is also our savior and our friend.
He is not some unapproachable light, but a warm embrace and a welcoming smile.
As silly as the song was, it was so true.
Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
While there are many aspects to explore: We know that Jesus loves us and Jesus is Wonderful.....
There probably is not a greater example then what we find in Romans chapter 5
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
The Wonderful Counselor. The Infant King. Displays His love for us in that He died for us.
While Jesus’s birth is a time of year that should bring forth great celebration.
It is also just the beginning of our celebration.
Because Jesus was born, so that he could die.
Not just any death, but a death that would defeat death.
A death that would secure victory for His children.
A death that would save us and deliver us back to Himself pure, righteous, and Holy.
Oh how Wonderful indeed is our Infant King.
How Mighty are His Works......But Mighty is getting a little ahead of myself.
Because it is Mighty God, that we will explore next week, and I hope you are here for that.
Let us pray.