Counselor Series

"Counselor"

Chuck Sligh

Series: Isaiah 9:6 - The Birth of the Almighty

December 1, 2013

TEXT: Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

INTRODUCTION

Our text is Isaiah’s early announcement of the birth of Jesus. Most birth announcements come after the birth, but Isaiah gave his announcement centuries before the Messiah came. Why are there so many names in this announcement?—Because there are so many names needed to describe this wonderful One—names that tell us key things about our Lord.

Last Sunday we examined the first of Isaiah’s names for Jesus: Isaiah calls Him “Wonderful.” We looked at many ways Jesus is wonderful: [BELOW DELETED FOR WRKR APPRECIATION SUN.]

• In the PAST, He WAS wonderful—in His pre-existence, in His birth, in His life, in His death, and in His resurrection.

• In the PRESENT, Jesus IS a wonderful SAVIOR, and a wonderful FRIEND (and many other wonderful things we did not have time to cover, for it would take eternity!).

• And in the FUTURE, He WILL BE wonderful—and we discussed all the wonderful things that are in store for us with our wonderful Lord in the events of the future.

Now today, let’s think about His name as “Counselor” In order to discover how Jesus is a wonderful “counselor,” let’s first see what a counselor IS.

In surveying dictionary definitions of the word counselor, we discover that it has three perspectives—emotional (or psychological), governmental and legal. Let’s see how Jesus is a wonderful counselor for us in each of these different ways.

I. First, we use the word “counselor” for someone who gives EMOTIONAL assistance when a person is undergoing mental or emotional stress—and Jesus excels in this meaning.

If you found yourself depressed, you might seek the help of a “counselor,” wouldn’t you? He may be a pastor, or a psychologist or even a good friend.

What is a good counselor?—A good counselor is “one who can understand your problems and competently provide you with guidance toward a workable solution.”

Illus. – You know, years ago there were no psychologists and therapists. Yet we know that people have found solace in years gone by from ministers who pointed them to the Lord Jesus Christ. If you had a problem, you went to your pastor or some spiritual advisor, like a strong believer or someone who was a student of God’s Word. These folks were able to dispense sound advice and comfort by pointing people to the Lord and answers in His Word.

But you know, in the final analysis, no mere human has all the answers for the problems of the soul.

Look with me for a few moments at some verses in the book of Hebrews about Jesus: Hebrews 2:17-18 – “Wherefore in all things it behooved him [today we would say, “it was fitting for him”] to be made like…his brethren [in other words, to be to become a human, as Jesus did when he was born to Mary…Why? The writer of Hebrews continues:], that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor [i.e. “help”] them that are tempted.”

That word succor means “to help, bring aid”—which is how the King James Version translates the word 6 of the 8 times it’s used in the New Testament. Since Jesus Himself was tempted and tested, He knows what we’re going through, and He’s able to HELP us—to BRING US AID—in those times of tempting and testing.

Look also at Hebrews 4:14-16 – “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest [who] cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to HELP in time of need.”

Now notice that word help at the end of verse 16. What do we go to Christ for?—HELP! These verses tell us there was Someone who was born into OUR world who understands every problem, temptation and difficulty we have ever had. We celebrate His birthday in just a couple of weeks.

In fact, among other things, Christmas should be a reminder that we have Someone who cares because He understands.

Does Jesus know the answer to your problem? I saw a little desk plaque on someone’s desk that said, “I know the answers; it’s the questions I don’t understand.” Jesus, as our counselor, both understands and knows how to fix your problems and struggles—no matter what they are. And He knows how to get you THROUGH your problems. He not only knows the ANSWERS, He knows the QUESTIONS.