Wonderful Counselor Series

Several years ago, Billie Burke, a famous actress, was on a transatlantic ocean liner, where she noticed a gentleman sitting at the next table suffering from a bad cold.

She asked him sympathetically, “Are you uncomfortable?” The man nodded.

Then she said, “I’ll tell you just what to do for it. Go back to your stateroom and drink lots of orange juice. Take two aspirins. Cover yourself with all the blankets you can find. Sweat the cold out. I know just what I’m talking about. I’m Billie Burke from Hollywood.”

The man smiled warmly and introduced himself in return. He said, “Thanks. I’m Dr. Mayo of the Mayo Clinic.” (James s. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited, p.21)

Billie Burke didn’t know who she was talking to, did she? I’m afraid that’s the way many people approach Christmas today. They set up their manger scenes. They sing the Christmas carols, but they don’t really know the Christ they are singing about.

Well, the Isaiah, the prophet, knew Him better than most, and he lived 700 before Jesus came. In fact, Isaiah writes one of the best descriptions of Christ that I’ve ever read. So if you have your Bibles, I invite you to turn with me to Isaiah 9, Isaiah 9, where Isaiah introduces us to Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV)

You see, one name wasn’t enough to describe Him. So Isaiah uses four different names, and in these weeks before Christmas, I want us to take a closer look at each one.

First, Isaiah calls Jesus the “Wonderful Counselor.” The word “wonderful” means unique and different, separate from the ordinary, extra-ordinary. Well, that’s exactly what Jesus’ counsel is like. It’s beyond the normal. It’s well worth listening to. My dear friends, if you want the best advice you can get, I urge you…

LISTEN TO JESUS’ SUPERNATURAL COUNSEL.

Pay attention to Christ’s advice, which is literally “out of this world!”

Lisa Owens was facing knee surgery. She was a bit nervous about it, so she asked her boss, a veterinarian, if he had any advice for her. He was very comforting and without any hesitation told her, “Turn your worries into prayers, get plenty of rest, and don’t lick your incision.” (Reader’s Digest)

Somebody once said, “Opinions are like armpits. Everybody has them and they usually stink.” That’s never the case with the advice and counsel of our Lord. You’re in Isaiah 9. Turn with me if you will to Isaiah 55, Isaiah 55. When you find Isaiah 55, look at verses 6-7.

Isaiah 55:5-7 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord... (NIV)

In other words, don’t seek your own counsel; don’t follow your own advice. Instead, come to the Lord. Why?

Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. (NIV)

His advice and counsel is beyond anything we could get from our own minds or any of our friends. It’s wonderful, extraordinary counsel. So listen. Pay attention to what Jesus has to say. Listen to His supernatural counsel. More than that…

LISTEN TO HIS SURE & CERTAIN COUNSEL.

Pay attention to our Lord’s advice which never fails and is never wrong. Heed His words which stand forever. No other counselor would ever make that kind of claim, but God does! You’re in Isaiah 55. Turn back with me a few chapters to Isaiah 46, Isaiah 46. When you find Isaiah 46, look at verse 8.

Isaiah 45:8-10 Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand (literally, my counsel will stand), and I will do all that I please. (NIV)

What God says, He will do! You can stake your life on it. In fact, you can stake your eternal destiny on His words, as well. Our Lord’s counsel stands!

Isaiah 14:24 puts it this way: “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed (or counseled), so it will stand.’” Why? Look at verse 27: For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

God is sovereign. He is in absolute control, so his counsel is absolute; it stands forever! God directs the circumstances of our lives, so His advice always works.