Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God
December 22, 2022
Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV
Another title Jesus is given in Isaiah’s prophecy is Wonderful Counselor.
Then He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Luke 24:44-47 ESV
Jesus and the scriptures give us a broader perspective on our lives.
Perspective brings peace.
Imagine standing on a high hill and looking down on a valley, seeing it from start to finish, from one end to the other. You might see a winding path that runs from side to side. You can see the beginning and the end. If you were down in the valley, walking the path you would only see a little way ahead. You would not know what was around the next bend.
As we begin to view matters from God’s perspective, we see situations, other people, and the world around us differently. We get glimpses of God’s perspective on circumstances. We are reminded of the promises that Jesus made. We know the end of the story, so we can keep going through the tough parts.
Another title Jesus is given in Isaiah’s prophecy is Mighty God.
You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.””
Luke 24:36-49 ESV
Jesus promised the disciples not only wisdom to view life differently, but power to live life differently. As we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we gain peace like Jesus had, because we are connected to the ultimate power in the universe.
Jesus remained calm and at peace, even when others sought to kill Him. He stood before Pilate unmoved and without anything to say in His own defense. He neither bargained nor blustered. He was neither frantic nor fearful. His peace unsettled Pilate. When Pilate touted his own authority, Jesus refuted it and reminded Pilate that authority comes from a power far above Pilate.
“He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over Me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.””
John 19:9-11 ESV
The God who created the stars and names every one of them, the God who loves you completely and wholeheartedly, the God who counts every hair on your head and knows every thought before you think it, this same God holds ultimate power and exercises it on your behalf.
Think about that for a minute!
Not only is it true, but there is also more to it. This same God shares that power with us, filling us with the Holy Spirit and enabling us to participate in His redemptive work here on earth. Even when it looks like other people are in charge of what happens to you, God is in charge of them. Every person’s power is limited and comes from somewhere else.
Sin still happens, just as Jesus pointed out. But it does not have the last word or the final say. That belongs to God alone. Be at peace.
Consider:
Where do you feel like someone else is calling the shots in your life?
Remember:
“Peace on earth” is a common phrase during this season. When you hear it, be reminded of God’s perspective and God’s power which allow us to be at peace.
Share:
Have you experienced God’s peace in unsettling circumstances?