“His Name Will Be….”
December 2, 2011
Naming a child is an enormous responsibility that is fascinating and sometimes difficult. When I (Cammy) was unexpectedly expecting our second child and we found out it was a girl, all of a sudden my usually silent husband had more than one strong opinion on what we would call this miracle baby. In fact, he had a list of criteria so long, I said, “Why don’t you name your daughter?” So he did. It was a pure joy for him to consider and choose the perfect name for our long awaited answer to prayer.
For the last several weeks we have been studying the names of God. As the Advent Season is now upon us and with Christmas approaching, it seems timely to turn our focus to the names of Jesus. Long before Mary was unexpectedly expecting, the prophet Isaiah exclaimed to the people that a Messiah was coming. A full seven hundred years before the birth of that precious baby, His name was given.
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Wonderful Counselor… How those words must have fallen on the ears and hearts of the Jews in the days of Isaiah! How do they fall on your heart today?
We live in a time when counseling is available in every imaginable medium. The bookstores are glutted with shelves full of self help topics. We can turn on the tv and find a “Dr. Phil” or google a topic on the internet and receive free advice. But is it wonderful advice?
Before His arrival on earth, Isaiah declared Jesus would be the Wonderful Counselor. Because Jesus was willing to take on every aspect of humanity – the physical and emotional, He truly knows how we feel. In the pages of the Bible you will find Jesus laughing, weeping, grieving, angry, and yes, tempted – all the same emotions and feelings familiar to us. Hebrews 4:16 tells us:
“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
This present world is overwhelming sometimes. We need help. It is comforting to turn to someone who has the experience to navigate the unexpected circumstances we find ourselves facing. Take some time this Advent season to read through the Gospels. Ask God to give you fresh eyes and ears to see and hear Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor. Watch Him interact with the people and ask Him to intercede on your behalf. He alone can be your Source of help and strength. (CT)
“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength…” Isaiah 11:2