Isaiah 9:6-7

Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor

Today, we are going to start a new series for December – Advent Series.

Our passage is taken from the Book of Isaiah. Written by the Prophet Isaiah around 740 BC. Roughly 700 years before the birth of Jesus.

According to theologians, Isaiah is often called the “evangelical prophet”.

Do you know why? Because he says so much about the redemptive work of the Messiah.

From the virgin birth, his ministry and power, and his crucifixion.

Much of the information about the work and person of Christ is found in this book than any other book in the OT.

Take note of this, the major theme of the Book of Isaiah is “the Coming of the Savior and King of Israel”.

Going back to our passage, allow me to give you a short background of what was happening in Israel & Judah at the time that the prophecy was given about a child to be born and become the savior of Israel.

• The whole of Judah is in a desperate situation because of a threat of war from Assyria (7:1).

• God instructed Prophet Isaiah to advise King Ahaz and to comfort them (7;2-4).

• They only need to TRUST God and stand firm in the faith (7:9b).

• God gave King Ahaz a sign – the virgin birth of the Immanuel (7:14)- God with us!

• God is sending a message to King Ahaz – you must trust me because I will be with you!

Yes, you have troubles from your enemies that want to destroy you, but do not be afraid, be calm, for I am with you!

What a great promise!This promise is not just for King Ahaz or the people of Israel, it goes beyond that…this promise is also for believers of Christ in the future…You and I!

This promise and prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel came true 700 years after the time it was given.

Matthew 18:21-23 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”

What can we learn from this…

Christmas is a fulfillment of God’s wonderful promise and that God is true to His words.

- a promise of restoration for the Israelites (Isaiah 9:1–2 “1 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.”

• a promise of restoration to those who believe in the Messiah.

And in Chapter 9:6, talks about the character and identity of Immanuel, the Messiah.

Isaiah 9:6 “6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

“As a child, he is born (human nature), but as a Son, he is given (divine nature)

1, Wonderful Counselor – A supernatural all-knowing counselor, and full of wisdom.

2. Mighty God – A term applied only to Yahweh. This predicts the ultimate victory over evil.

3. Everlasting Father – An eternal father to his people, this means that, without end, he will be guarding, supplying, and caring for the needs of his people.

4. Prince of Peace – The one who brings genuine peace. This world can only give a short, temporary peace, but the peace that Jesus brings is eternal and without end (v7).

Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor.

Wonderful (miracles, wonders) - about the extraordinary deeds of God.

Counselor - Any person providing advice or guidance.

Every King or Every leader in history has counselors. The Scriptures recommend for anyone to receive counsel - Proverbs 11:14 “14 Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.”

Every parent is called to give counsel or advice - Proverbs 1:8 “8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction And do not forsake your mother’s teaching;”

God’s Word is our counselor - Psalm 119:24 “24 Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors.”

Why is Jesus a wonderful counselor? What separates Jesus from human counselors?

Allow me to give you 3 reasons why Jesus is a wonderful counselor as foretold in Isaiah 9:6.

I. A Perfect Counselor

A. His wisdom is divine (from heaven) - Isaiah 11:2 “2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

Mark 6:2 “2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?”

B. He is all-knowing- The Samaritan woman in John 4:29 “29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”

C. He is truthful- He makes His truth known to us through His Word -

D. He makes no mistake- Romans 11:33 “33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Compare: Human counselor - no matter how smart, limited in wisdom; prone to mistakes; might have wrong motives.

II. A Passionate Counselor

A. He knows the struggles of humans.

Coming to earth and taking a human nature is divine wisdom.

The humble birth of Jesus on a manger was not an accident. It is a passionate display of His love - he stoops down on our level. He relates to us lowly human beings.

The cruel death of Jesus was not an accident. It is a passionate display of His love - dying on our behalf. His death was not wasted.

B. He loves us despite knowing we are unworthy.

Romans 5:8–11 “8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.”

C. He helps us when we are helpless. (Romans 5:6 “6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” )

The Gospel Truth:

God knows our helpless situation. He knows our inability to save ourselves from the chains of sin and the fangs of death and the eternal suffering in hell.

In God’s Wise Counsel, He did not leave sinners to just perish in hell. From before the creation of the Word, the Trinity planned the salvation/redemption of the fallen human beings.

D. His counsel is for our good and He will not stop giving loving counsel.

James 1:5 “5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Compare: Human counselor - lacks empathy and may approach the counselee as a business matter; he will not totally understand our situation; and can only help as much depending on tolerance and comfort.

III. A Present Counselor

A . He is always there. He is accessible. Matthew 28:19–20 “19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

B. We don’t need an appointment or book a schedule with him

C. He gives counsel at the exact time we need Him.

D. His presence alone brings comfort.

Compare - Human counselor - You have to book an appointment, Late counsel is not always available.

Illustrate:

Jesus Intercession is ongoing: Romans 8:34–35“34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

Hebrews 7:25“25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

The Holy Spirit’s counsel: John 14:26 “26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

1 Corinthians 2:10 “10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:16 “16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

If we have Christ, we have God’s wisdom available for us!

Application:

Seek God’s guidance in your decision-making by diving into the His Holy Word!

Illustrate:

Proverbs 3:1–6 “1 My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

Joshua 1:8 “8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

Thus

• When followed, his counsel always leads to our good.

• His counsel makes us fruitful and joyful.

• His counsel gives life.

• His counsel spares us from self-inflicted pain.

Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor!

He is dependable, He is present, and He will not fail to guide you!