Summary
Advent 2024.
Explore the profound meaning of Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor this Advent season. Delve into Isaiah’s prophecy, uncovering the divine wisdom, miraculous power, and perfect guidance embodied in Christ. Discover how this title relates to Jesus’ role as the promised Messiah and learn to seek His counsel in daily life, experiencing the transformative power of His wisdom.
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Reflections on Isaiah 9:1-7
Advent 2024: Discovering the Wonderful Counselor
As we enter the Advent season, do you ever feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do you long for wisdom and guidance to navigate the complexities of our world? You’re not alone. The people of ancient Israel faced similar struggles, yearning for a leader who could provide divine counsel and bring hope to their nation in a hopeless situation.
Today, let’s embark on a journey through Isaiah 9:1-7, exploring the prophetic clues about the coming Messiah. The passage speaks of a child to be born, a son to be given, who would bear the government on His shoulders. This future ruler is described with four remarkable titles, the first of which we’ll explore today: Wonderful Counselor.
The Mystery of the Messiah
While we have the advantage of hindsight, with 2,000 years of history and a complete Bible to guide our understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, the ancient Israelites faced a more challenging task. They had to piece together clues from prophecies like Isaiah 9:1-7 to discern the identity and nature of their promised Deliverer. For them, the Messiah was a mysterious figure, known not as Jesus of Nazareth but by prophetic titles such as Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. This process of discovery carried profound implications for their faith and future, requiring careful investigation of the scriptures to unravel the divine promise.
This Advent season, we will reflect on Jesus through the eyes of Anna, who devoted her life to waiting for the Messiah in the temple, and Simeon, who the Spirit promised that he would see the Savior. As we hold Emmanuel close, we will explore the profound significance of His coming, recognizing Him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). Over the next four weeks, we will ponder the question, “Who is coming?” from their perspective to deepen our understanding and uncover new insights about the baby in the manger that we might otherwise overlook.
Framing the Titles
Before we launch into the title of Wonderful Counselor, I want to give you a framework that these titles operate in and are crucial to unlocking the depths of their meaning.
1. A Child Born, A Son Given
Isaiah has already told us of the supernatural origins of this unique child:
“See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 CSB)
This prophecy, familiar to us through the Christmas story, was less clear to pre-Christ Israelites. They expected a Messiah who would grow into a powerful leader, not realizing it would be God’s own son. The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” hinted at this divine nature.
2. Ruler
Isaiah describes this Son as a king with extraordinary qualities:
– A ruler who defeats enemies and brings peace
– A leader who spreads joy
– A king who establishes an eternal kingdom on David’s throne
These characteristics frame the four titles given to this child, revealing His attributes as a divine Ruler. These aren’t mere official titles but descriptions of His very nature. So, as we move onto the titles, remember that the Wonderful Counselor is also a supernaturally born, given Son who will be an eternal ruler over Israel.
Unpacking “Wonderful”
The Hebrew word for “wonderful” (pele’) carries a rich, multi-faceted meaning. It doesn’t just mean ‘nice’ or ‘delightful.’ It is far more significant.
1. Magnificent: This ruler will be delightfully awe-inspiring in presence and deed, contrasting sharply with the disappointing kings of Isaiah’s time.
2. Wonder-Worker: He will perform miraculous acts, echoing God’s supernatural deeds in Israel’s history. Think of the phrase “signs and wonders,” and you can see the connection. It is a description of his supernatural power to enact his will. As Psam 77:11-15 says:
“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.”
3. Deeply Wise: His counsel will surpass human understanding, reflecting divine insight. Not only are his deeds wondrous, but so is his knowledge. As Psalm 119:29 says, “Your decrees are wondrous; therefore I obey them.”
Paired with “Counselor,” this title paints a picture of a leader with supernatural splendor, miracle-working abilities, and divine insight. Imagine a ruler who not only gives perfect advice but embodies the very essence of God’s wisdom!
The Perfect Counselor
In a world of conflicting voices and questionable guidance, the promise of a Wonderful Counselor addresses our deep need for reliable direction. This ruler would:
– Provide godly counsel to help people live as proper citizens of His kingdom. Imagine such a powerful king who takes the time to give you counsel personally!
– Possess wisdom far surpassing even the legendary King Solomon.
– Offer strategic military insight, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty. He has the wisdom to overthrow the enemy and establish peace.
– Embody and dispense divine knowledge, much like the cherished wisdom found in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Isaiah will go on to describe the level of wisdom and insight this Son-Ruler will have in Isaiah 11:1-5.
As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s remember that we have a Wonderful Counselor who is always ready to guide us. His wisdom is not just for grand, life-altering decisions, but for our daily walk. Whether facing moral dilemmas, relational conflicts, or personal struggles, we can turn to Jesus, confident that His counsel is always perfect, always timely, and always rooted in love.
The Ruler We Need
Isaiah’s prophecy contrasts sharply with the failing leadership of his time. While King Ahaz made unwise alliances with the enemy, worshiped idols, and neglected his people, the coming Messiah would be utterly different:
1. Possess unparalleled wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)
2. Judge righteously (Isaiah 11:3-4)
3. Bring joy and peace to His kingdom (Isaiah 9:3-5)
4. Establish an everlasting reign (Isaiah 9:7)
So, as Anna or Simeon in the temple, who are you holding in your hands? You are holding the supernaturally-born Son who would break the chains of Israel’s oppressor and lead them with power, wonders, and divine wisdom. He will rule over the kingdom while being able to guide and counsel each and every one of his citizens directly. What a king!
Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we see Jesus perfectly embodying the role of Wonderful Counselor:
1. Miracle Worker: “This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs” (Acts 2:22). Jesus healed the sick, brought sight to the blind, raised the dead, and set free the captives of sin.
2. Divine Teacher: His teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount and parables, amazed people with his depth of wisdom and unparalleled authority.
3. Military Victor: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the powers of darkness and crushed Satan’s head, achieving a victory far greater than any earthly military conquest. He established an eternal kingdom without borders that reaches into every nation and continues to grow to this day!
Applying the Truth
As we reflect on Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor this Advent, consider:
1. How can you seek His wisdom in your daily decisions?
2. In what areas of your life do you need His miraculous intervention?
3. How might His teachings guide you in challenging situations?
4. Trust His Ways. Even when His guidance seems counterintuitive, remember that His wisdom far exceeds our understanding.
5. Share His Counsel. As you benefit from His wisdom, become a channel of godly advice to others.
This Advent, let’s approach Jesus with the awe and expectation of those who eagerly awaited the Messiah. May we, like Anna and Simeon in the temple, recognize the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ and allow His wonderful counsel to transform our lives.
Today, take a moment to bring your concerns before the Wonderful Counselor. Listen for His guidance through His Word, prayer, and the gentle promptings of His Spirit. As you do, you’ll discover that in every situation, big or small, He is ready to provide the wisdom you need to live a life that honors Him and blesses others.
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FAQs
1. Why is the title “Wonderful Counselor” significant for the coming Messiah?
This title, prophesied in Isaiah 9:1-7, speaks to the divine nature and abilities of the Messiah. “Wonderful” indicates magnificence, wonder-working power, and profound wisdom. “Counselor” signifies a leader who provides divine guidance and direction. This title assures us that the Messiah would not be just a powerful ruler, but also a source of perfect wisdom and counsel for his people.
2. How did the ancient Israelites understand the concept of the Messiah?
Unlike us, they didn’t have the complete Bible or the benefit of hindsight. They relied on piecing together prophetic clues, like those in Isaiah 9:1-7, to understand the Messiah’s identity and mission. They anticipated a powerful leader who would liberate them, but the concept of a Messiah who was also God’s son was less clear.
3. What framework helps us understand the titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:1-7?
The titles are best understood within the context of:
- Supernatural Origins: Isaiah 7:14 prophesied a virgin birth, hinting at the Messiah’s divine nature as “Immanuel” – God with us.
- Role as Ruler: Isaiah describes the Messiah as a king who defeats enemies, brings peace, spreads joy, and establishes an eternal kingdom, highlighting His divine attributes.
4. What does the Hebrew word for “wonderful” (pele’) truly mean?
It signifies more than just “nice” or “delightful.” It implies:
- Magnificent: The Messiah would be awe-inspiring in presence and deeds.
- Wonder-Worker: He would perform miraculous acts, reflecting God’s power.
- Deeply Wise: His counsel would surpass human understanding, reflecting divine insight.
5. How does Jesus fulfill the prophecy of the Wonderful Counselor in the New Testament?
- Miracle Worker: Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and demonstrated supernatural power.
- Divine Teacher: His teachings, like the Sermon on the Mount, showcased profound wisdom and authority.
- Military Victor: Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the powers of darkness, securing an eternal spiritual victory.
6. How can we apply the truth of Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor in our lives today?
- Seek His Wisdom: Consult God’s word, pray, and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your decisions.
- Trust His Ways: Believe that His wisdom is perfect, even when his guidance seems counterintuitive.
- Share His Counsel: As you benefit from his wisdom, help others by offering godly advice.
7. What specific areas of life can we seek the Wonderful Counselor’s guidance in?
We can seek His guidance in all matters, big or small, including:
- Moral dilemmas
- Relational conflicts
- Personal struggles
- Daily decisions
8. How can we approach this Advent season with a fresh perspective on Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor?
Let’s approach this Advent with the anticipation of those who awaited the Messiah. Like Anna and Simeon, let’s recognize the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. Allow His wonderful counsel to transform our lives by actively seeking His wisdom and trusting in His guidance.
Glossary of Christianeze Words
Advent: The period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas, observed in Christian churches as a time of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of Jesus’s birth.
Messiah: The Hebrew word for “anointed one,” referring to the promised deliverer of the Jewish people. In Christianity, Jesus is recognized as the Messiah.
Immanuel: A Hebrew name meaning “God with us,” used in Isaiah 7:14 to refer to the Messiah.
Pele’ (Wonderful): A Hebrew word with a multifaceted meaning encompassing magnificence, wonder-working ability, and deep wisdom.
Counselor: One who provides guidance, advice, and wisdom. In the context of Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah is the ultimate source of perfect counsel.
Signs and Wonders: Supernatural acts or events that demonstrate divine power and authority. In the Bible, these often accompany the work of God and His messengers.
Prophecy: A message inspired by God, communicated through a prophet, often foretelling future events or revealing God’s will.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The realization or accomplishment of a prediction made in a prophecy. In Christianity, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.
Kingdom of God: The reign or rule of God, both present and future. It refers to the spiritual realm where God’s authority is fully recognized and His will is perfectly done.
Study Questions
Context
- What was the historical situation of the people of Israel when Isaiah wrote this prophecy?
- What does the article tell us about the meaning of “Immanuel?”
- How did the ancient Israelites view the Messiah?
- How does this passage fit into the overall message of the book of Isaiah?
- What other prophecies in the Old Testament point to the coming of a Messiah?
Observation
- What are the four titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6?
- What does each title tell us about the nature and character of the Messiah?
- What are some of the specific actions or qualities of the Messiah described in this passage?
- What verbs are used to describe the Messiah’s actions?
- What imagery or metaphors are used in this passage?
Meaning
- What is the significance of the Messiah being called “Wonderful Counselor”?
- How does the title “Wonderful Counselor” address the needs of the people of Israel?
- What does the thread say about the Hebrew word for “wonderful”?
- How does the thread compare the coming Messiah with King Ahaz?
- What does it mean that the Messiah will be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel”?
Application
- How can the truth of Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor bring you hope and comfort this Advent season?
- How does the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-7 point to Jesus as the Messiah?
- How can we experience Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor today?
- What are some specific ways we can seek His wisdom in our daily lives?
- How can we share His counsel with others?
- In what ways do you need Jesus’s guidance in your life?
