HOW IS JESUS A WONDERFUL COUNSELOR?

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders, And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

WHAT KIND OF COUNSELOR IS JESUS?  

Jesus is a different kind of counselor than what we would see in the context of “seeing a counselor”. A human counselor will ask questions, reflect impressions, and explore options. Counselor in Isaiah 9:6 refers to the Giver of Truth. Someone who points out the correct path, the way to go. The word in Isaiah is much more directive. Jesus as Counselor is the source of wisdom.   

THE KEY QUESTIONS OF COUNSELING:

What is the problem?  

With a counselor, the first important step is to identify the problem. Sometimes this can be difficult because only the surface level issue is obvious. For example, someone is angry constantly. Anger is the surface level issue but answering the question: “Why are they angry?” leads to the deeper issue.  

One key component of this first step is complete honesty. Until someone is fully open and honest about the problem, they can’t get help. We have to be completely honest with Jesus–He already knows but we need to admit. Without the admitting, we are hiding and we will not change. 

What does Jesus say about the problem?  

The Bible, God’s word, godly counsel all help us know what Jesus says about the problem. Many issues will be on a spiritual level. For example, using the anger illustration from earlier–someone is always angry. What does Jesus say, what does the Bible say about anger?     

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James 1:19-20 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV)

Obviously, we need to find the path away from anger controlling us and being our first response. The spiritual issue may be forgiveness or an unresolved hurt. God provides steps for us to know God’s path about those issues.  

Ultimately, God will not change your life without changing you. So, both of these first two steps are crucial with our Wonderful Counselor.   

Are you willing to do whatever Jesus says?  

It might not make sense: Why forgive when they aren’t worthy of forgiveness? Why end the relationship and be alone? Why give sacrificially–how can I afford it? Step out in faith–but I’m comfortable right where I’m at.  

In that moment, you have to decide: Do you really trust Jesus enough to do what He says?  

That moment is your moment of truth!  

These three key questions are the ones that are going to be asked of you. Life’s greatest discovery is knowing Jesus, knowing that He loves you and promises to be ever-present in your life.  Those facts are in the wonderful category.  And then change will happen because you will go through your problems in a totally different way.