Read Isaiah 9:3-6  

Wonderful Counselor

One time in Primary School, I asked my dad for advice on running the 800-metre race. I wanted to win and needed a good strategy. Dad told me to hang back from the rest of the pack, conserve my energy and then race past them to the finish line as they began to tire. Being a literalist, I thought this meant staying back in last place. Let’s just say that my “strategy” was a dismal failure!

700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah described Him as “Wonderful Counselor.” Understanding this name of Jesus gives us valuable insight into the strategy God uses to rescue the world from sin.

The word “wonderful” usually describes miracles performed by God. Importantly, God doesn’t perform miracles to show off but uses them to direct people to Himself and offer them mercy and grace.

“Counselor” on the other hand, describes a careful plan of action or a deliberate purpose.

So, when Jesus is called Wonderful Counselor, it means He points people to His Father, revealing Him to be a God Who works according to a well thought out plan and strategy.

When it comes to matters of faith or spirituality, most people have a strategy for it.

Some use the strategy of “living a good life”; for others, it can be the strategies of self-proclaimed “spiritual Masters.”

Many have no strategy, preferring not to think about it at all.

Ultimately, every human strategy to reach God fails.

Let me tell you this. If you’re serious about knowing God personally and being forgiven for your sin, then His strategy is the only one you need.

The Apostle Paul summed it up well when he wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

Jesus the Wonderful Counselor is the only strategy you need.