Wonderful Counselor

     These days of toil and struggle due to natural disasters, the global pandemic, and manmade strife and division, can make me seek peace, comfort, and feel in need of counsel. I was reminded this morning as I read Isaiah 9:6 where my peace and counsel comes from, "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, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

    Isaiah, (his name literally means, "The LORD saves"), is an Old Testament prophet that writes about God's final judgment and salvation through the Messiah (later to be called Jesus Christ in the New Testament). He tells his readers about a day when there will be peace and safety on earth, but it will come at a cost. Those that do not repent from their sins, will be judged for them. This is not unlike when wise parents discipline their children. They want their children to recognize their bad behavior as harmful to themselves or others so they don't continue to repeat it. 

    God sent His Son to be, in essence, our scapegoat...He took our sins to the cross...for us. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we are free of the penalty of sin and can live in peace knowing that He atoned for us. We can then be reconciled to the Most High God. I can ask my Wonderful Counselor anything and He will provide instruction and wisdom, if I believe in Him through faith. That hope is what brings me peace and comfort in times of tribulation. 

John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (Jesus speaking to the apostles about the Holy Spirit coming to them, as a counselor and comforter, when He leaves them to return to the Father.)