Who is the Wonderful Counselor?

Isa 9:6  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.

If you are a Christian, then you know that this passage from Isaiah is announcing the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Among these incredible names given here, one is Wonderful Counselor. In addition, the Bible speaks of another counselor or helper –

Joh 14:16-18  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  (17)  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.  (18)  “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

This is, of course, the Holy Spirit who, take note, is the Lord Jesus “come to us.” This is the mystery of the Trinity – three Persons in one godhead. In this case, the two Persons of the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus, yet one.

Now, what I want us to think about is this – just who is the wonderful counselor? Christians would typically answer that He is the Lord Jesus or perhaps the Holy Spirit. That is what they would typically say. But in practice it is quite common to see behavior and thinking which is contrary to this claim. What do I mean?

Well, think for instance about how the Lord Jesus and His Spirit in us counsel and help us. Are you thinking? I hope that your answer is this – through the living and powerful Word of God. The Scriptures. But, I say, in practice it seems to me that so many people who claim to be Christians do not really seem to believe this. They want more. They seem to think and they have been so often told, that they need another counselor. Let’s think carefully about this.

I am not suggesting that there is no place for seeking the help of a human counselor. But what I am saying is that unless that counselor or therapist is a Christian who actually is using God’s Word to counsel, then the Wonderful Counselor is not in the room! Do you believe that? Let me pursue this further.

Very often when people ask me about counseling and I point them to systematic, regular, methodical study of the Bible – such study often entailing either verse by verse studies which I have done and which are available on Youtube, or which my favorite preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones has on Youtube (mljtrust.org too), they act confused. Not always, but often. They don’t connect the dots. They fail to see a real connection between the Bible and what they need. And many of these people claim to be Christians and might well be.

What does God’s Word say about itself? –

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Psa 119:26-29  When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!  (27)  Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.  (28)  My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!  (29)  Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!

Do you believe that? I suggest to you that many if not most local professing Christian churches do not believe it. They claim they do with their lips but in practice what are they doing? They are relying on man’s programs. Man’s psychology. In the end, their programs of “counseling” do not differ much at all from what the world offers. The Wonderful Counselor is not in it.

So, do you want to hear from the Wonderful Counselor? Do you truly want to get better even if it is painful at times? Do you want a Counselor who can see within the very depths of your mind and heart and reveal any patterns which are wrong or even which are hurting you? Then there is no substitute. You must go to His powerful Word because that is where He will meet you. And it isn’t a quick fix. That is why I always prescribe the verse by verse regular, disciplined study and teaching of God’s Word.

Most people, unfortunately for them, don’t want the Wonderful Counselor and His method. They want a quick fix that doesn’t require hard work. They don’t want to walk the Narrow Way.