“And His Name will be called….Counselor…” Isaiah 9:6
This takes care of the decisions of life. The problems of life need not to perplex or paralyze us any longer. With Jesus Christ as our Counselor, we have the wisdom we need to make the right decisions. Many people rely on local bar tenders, fortune-tellers, horoscopes, or some trained counselor.
The Psalmist tells us, “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Ps. 74:24-28). In Psalm 33 he says, “The counsel of the Lord stands forever…” (vs. 11). It would appear that the best and most stable counsel that we could acquire is from Him.
Isaiah is telling us that His name is “Counselor.” This is an insight into His nature. He doesn’t simply give, but rather He is our “counsel.”
Some of God’s children would prefer a guidebook, complete with rules, charts, and maps, which they could consult for direction, but God doesn’t work that way. Impatience keeps them from truly hearing the counsel of Immanuel. They simply want some prepackaged plan.
God’s delays are preparation for God’s blessings. Even Jesus said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. (John 16:13 NKJ)
There are times when we are called to wait on the coming counsel of the Lord. Advent is really all about waiting. Waiting on His counsel, on His wisdom and on His timing.
I read somewhere about an astronomer and a pastor who were seated next to one another on an airplane flight. When they became aware of their vocations, the astronomer said, “I believe that religion can be summed up in the words, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Yes,” said the pastor, “about as much as astronomy can be summed up in the words, “Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.” No, there is more to it than ethics or some cliche.
The counsel of God is all about living “with God.” Come, Oh Come, Immanuel!
