What The World Needs This Christmas By Tim Badal (Isaiah 9:6)
Summary
In Isaiah chapter 9, we find a profound message about the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, who is described with four significant names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names are not merely aspirational but are characteristics that Jesus embodies, offering hope and guidance to a world in chaos. The context of Isaiah's prophecy is a time of darkness and rebellion among the people of God, who have turned away from Him and are facing the consequences of their actions. Yet, in the midst of this, God promises a Savior who will bring light and peace.
The name "Wonderful Counselor" is particularly significant. It speaks to Jesus' divine wisdom and guidance, which is beyond human comprehension. This wisdom is not just practical advice but is rooted in the divine, offering a path to salvation and a relationship with God. In a world filled with chaos, lies, and cynicism, the Wonderful Counselor provides words of comfort and truth. Jesus' counsel is authoritative and transformative, guiding us back to God and helping us navigate the complexities of life.
As we reflect on this, we are challenged to seek Jesus' counsel in our lives, to submit to His authority, and to share His wisdom with others. The Wonderful Counselor is not just a figure of the past but is actively working in our lives today, guiding us towards a deeper relationship with God and offering hope in a world that desperately needs it.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Names: Names in the Bible often carry deep meanings and aspirations. The names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—are not just titles but reflect His divine nature and mission. These names offer a roadmap for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. [01:54]
2. The Context of Chaos: Isaiah's prophecy comes at a time of great darkness and rebellion among God's people. This context highlights the need for a Savior who can bring light and order to chaos. In our own lives, we often find ourselves in similar situations, needing the guidance and comfort that only Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, can provide. [07:56]
3. Divine Wisdom and Guidance: The term "Wonderful Counselor" emphasizes Jesus' extraordinary wisdom and ability to guide us in every situation. His counsel is not just practical advice but is rooted in divine truth, offering a path to salvation and a relationship with God. This wisdom is trustworthy and authoritative, providing a foundation for our lives. [20:52]
4. The Authority of Jesus' Counsel: Jesus' guidance is not merely suggestive but authoritative. As the Wonderful Counselor, His words are transformative and demand our submission. In a world filled with conflicting voices, we are called to prioritize His counsel and align our lives with His teachings. [24:07]
5. Sharing the Wonderful Counselor: Recognizing Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor compels us to share His wisdom with others. In a world that is often lost and searching for answers, we have the opportunity to introduce others to the guidance and comfort that Jesus offers. This Christmas, consider who in your life needs to hear about the Wonderful Counselor. [27:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:54] - The Significance of Names
- [04:14] - Aspirations for Our Children
- [06:05] - Introduction to the Wonderful Counselor
- [07:56] - The Context of Chaos
- [09:53] - Intoxication with the World
- [11:13] - Cynicism Towards God's Word
- [13:07] - Culture of Lies
- [15:36] - The Gloom of Darkness
- [17:41] - Words of Comfort
- [19:50] - The Meaning of Wonderful
- [20:52] - Divine Wisdom and Guidance
- [22:40] - Jesus as the Ultimate Strategist
- [24:07] - The Authority of Jesus' Counsel
- [27:18] - Sharing the Wonderful Counselor
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:6
Observation Questions:
1. What are the four names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His character? [01:54]
2. How does the context of darkness and rebellion in Isaiah's time highlight the need for a Savior? [07:56]
3. What does the term "Wonderful Counselor" imply about Jesus' wisdom and guidance? [20:52]
4. How does the sermon describe the authority of Jesus' counsel compared to other voices in the world? [24:07]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways do the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 provide a roadmap for understanding His mission and purpose? [01:54]
2. How does the context of chaos in Isaiah's prophecy relate to the challenges we face in our own lives today? [07:56]
3. What does it mean for Jesus' counsel to be both authoritative and transformative in our lives? [24:07]
4. How can recognizing Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor impact the way we seek guidance and make decisions? [27:18]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or in chaos. How did you seek guidance, and how might seeking Jesus' counsel have changed your approach? [07:56]
2. In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to the authority of Jesus' counsel? What steps can you take to prioritize His guidance? [24:07]
3. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from knowing Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor. How can you share His wisdom and guidance with them this week? [27:18]
4. How can you incorporate seeking Jesus' counsel into your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to ensure His guidance is a priority? [24:07]
5. Consider the voices and influences in your life. How can you discern which ones align with the truth and wisdom of Jesus' counsel? [24:07]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the culture of lies. How can you guard against being influenced by falsehoods and instead embrace the truth of Jesus' words? [14:21]
7. As you prepare for the Christmas season, how can you focus on the hope and peace that Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, brings to a world in need? [17:41]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
---
Day 1: The Profound Meaning of Jesus' Names
The names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—are not just titles but reflect His divine nature and mission. These names offer a roadmap for understanding who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. Each name reveals a different aspect of His character and His work in the world. As the Wonderful Counselor, He provides divine wisdom and guidance. As the Mighty God, He embodies strength and power. As the Everlasting Father, He offers eternal care and protection. As the Prince of Peace, He brings reconciliation and tranquility. Understanding these names helps us grasp the fullness of Jesus' identity and His purpose in our lives. [01:54]
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Which of the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9 resonates most with you today, and why? How can you invite that aspect of His character into your life this week?
Day 2: Light in the Midst of Chaos
Isaiah's prophecy comes at a time of great darkness and rebellion among God's people. This context highlights the need for a Savior who can bring light and order to chaos. In our own lives, we often find ourselves in similar situations, needing the guidance and comfort that only Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, can provide. His presence brings clarity and hope, dispelling the darkness that surrounds us. By turning to Him, we find the strength to navigate through life's challenges and the assurance that we are not alone. [07:56]
Psalm 18:28 (ESV): "For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness."
Reflection: Identify a specific area of chaos or confusion in your life. How can you seek Jesus' guidance to bring light and order to that situation today?
Day 3: Trusting in Divine Wisdom
The term "Wonderful Counselor" emphasizes Jesus' extraordinary wisdom and ability to guide us in every situation. His counsel is not just practical advice but is rooted in divine truth, offering a path to salvation and a relationship with God. This wisdom is trustworthy and authoritative, providing a foundation for our lives. When we rely on His guidance, we are led towards a life of purpose and fulfillment, grounded in His eternal truth. [20:52]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on your own understanding rather than seeking Jesus' wisdom? What step can you take today to trust His guidance more fully?
Day 4: The Transformative Authority of Jesus' Counsel
Jesus' guidance is not merely suggestive but authoritative. As the Wonderful Counselor, His words are transformative and demand our submission. In a world filled with conflicting voices, we are called to prioritize His counsel and align our lives with His teachings. By doing so, we experience transformation and growth, becoming more like Him in our thoughts and actions. His authority brings peace and direction, helping us to live in accordance with His will. [24:07]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to submit to Jesus' authority? How can you begin to align that area with His teachings today?
Day 5: Sharing the Wisdom of the Wonderful Counselor
Recognizing Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor compels us to share His wisdom with others. In a world that is often lost and searching for answers, we have the opportunity to introduce others to the guidance and comfort that Jesus offers. This Christmas, consider who in your life needs to hear about the Wonderful Counselor. By sharing His wisdom, we become conduits of His love and truth, helping others find the hope and peace that only He can provide. [27:18]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is struggling or searching for answers. How can you share the wisdom and comfort of Jesus with them this week? What practical step can you take to reach out to them today?
---
Quotes
"These names signify a couple important truths about who this Messiah was and what he was going to come and do. Now, as we look at these names, we recognize that with any name comes a bit of aspiration. This is true when Amanda and I named our three sons." [00:01:54] (22 seconds)
"And as parents, especially Amanda and I, we wanted to make sure our children had names that in many ways set the roadmap of what we hoped, what we aspired for them." [00:02:48] (12 seconds)
"In the book of Isaiah, numerous places tells us it is a bad and dark time for the people of God. They have rebelled against God. They have pursued other gods and other things. And as a result of that, the judgment of God is upon them. And they're feeling the pressure of what it is to live your life your way and not to follow God." [00:07:56] (23 seconds)
"Number two, he goes on and he says, not only are we out of control, but we are cynical to the things of God. Why have we chosen other things? Because we have grown cynical to the word of God and to the prophets of God. He says in verse nine, he goes on." [00:10:54] (15 seconds)
"counselor. And that's exactly what we need, and that's exactly what God gives. And notice this wonderful counselor. It starts with the word wonderful. It's the Hebrew word pellet, which comes and conveys a sense of something extraordinary, marvelous, and miraculous, and beyond human comprehension." [00:20:00] (24 seconds)
"Yoetz there, the wonderful Yoetz is to refer to someone who gives guidance and advice that is perfectly trustworthy. Everything that he says will lead you in the right way. This implies that Jesus's wisdom is able to guide us in every situation." [00:21:54] (24 seconds)
"He's a wonderful counselor who guides us. But friends, when God through Jesus guides us as the wonderful counselor, recognize these aren't suggestions. They are authoritative. These aren't merely suggestions that we can take or leave like the advice of a good friend. These are truths that are true for us." [00:24:07] (22 seconds)
"if he truly is the wonderful counselor are you seeking out his counsel where are you going when you have questions where do you go when you're unsure of what to do is jesus that true wonderful counselor in your life are you seeking him and are you seeking him first number two are you submitting to him are you submitting to him it's one thing to seek him we heard a story of joan she was seeking answers she was seeking for something more but at some point jesus said well this is what you need to do this is where you need to go and joan had to submit every one of us has to submit to this it's not enough for us to seek we must submit to the authority of god's counsel in our lives and what that means friends is we have to turn away from the counsel of the world and hold our allegiance to his counsel alone and finally if we truly believe jesus to be our wonderful counselor then wouldn't it be incumbent upon us to share his counsel to not hold" [00:25:29] (85 seconds)