The Wonder of Jesus: Our Ever-Present Counselor

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Wonder of Jesus

The wonder of Jesus Christ is a profound mystery that transcends human understanding. Isaiah 9:6 describes Him as "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," highlighting His extraordinary nature. The Hebrew word "palah" for "wonderful" signifies something beyond human comprehension. Jesus' life, from His preexistence to His resurrection, is a testament to this divine wonder. He existed before time, was born of the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and ultimately conquered death. Each aspect of His life invites us to marvel at His greatness and recognize the divine mystery that He embodies. As we reflect on the wonder of Jesus, we are called to deepen our awe and appreciation for His unparalleled greatness. [44:41]

Psalm 139:6-7 (ESV): "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?"

Reflection: Consider a moment in your life when you experienced something beyond your understanding. How can you relate this experience to the divine wonder of Jesus, and how does it inspire you to deepen your faith?

Day 2: Jesus, Our Divine Counselor

In ancient times, a king was seen as a counselor to his people, providing guidance and protection. Jesus, as our divine Counselor, offers wisdom and direction in our lives. He knows our struggles and meets us where we are, offering comfort and guidance. His counsel is not limited by time or space; He is always available to us, ready to provide the strength and wisdom we need. Unlike earthly counselors, Jesus' guidance is perfect and eternal, offering us a source of unwavering support. As we navigate life's challenges, we are encouraged to seek His counsel and trust in His divine wisdom. [54:22]

Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."

Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you actively seek Jesus' counsel in this situation, and what steps can you take to listen to His guidance today?

Day 3: The Eternal Presence of Jesus

Jesus is not bound by time or space. He is always available to us, ready to provide the strength and wisdom we need. Unlike earthly counselors, He is accessible 24/7, offering His guidance and support whenever we need it. This eternal presence assures us that we are never alone, no matter the circumstances we face. Jesus' availability is a constant reminder of His love and commitment to us, inviting us to rely on Him in every moment of our lives. As we embrace His eternal presence, we find comfort and strength in knowing that He is always with us. [01:02:58]

Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. How can the knowledge of Jesus' eternal presence change your perspective and provide comfort in similar situations?

Day 4: Meeting Us Where We Are

Jesus meets us in our specific circumstances, whether we face physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. He knows our needs and offers His counsel and love, guiding us through life's difficulties. His omniscience allows Him to understand our struggles intimately, and His compassion compels Him to walk alongside us. As we navigate the complexities of life, we are encouraged to trust in Jesus' ability to meet us where we are and provide the guidance and support we need. His presence is a source of hope and strength, reminding us that we are never alone in our journey. [01:00:30]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you invite Jesus into this situation, and what steps can you take to rely on His guidance and support?

Day 5: Embracing the Christmas Season with Jesus

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came to be our Wonderful Counselor. Whether we face joy or sorrow, He is with us, offering His extraordinary wisdom and love. The Christmas season is a time to reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and His role in our lives. It is an opportunity to embrace the wonder of His presence and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. As we celebrate this season, let us open our hearts to His love and allow His wisdom to guide us in our journey of faith. [01:06:07]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: As you prepare for the Christmas season, how can you intentionally focus on the presence of Jesus in your celebrations? What specific practices can you incorporate to seek His guidance and embrace His love during this time?

Sermon Summary

As we transition from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. While we often find wonder in the world around us, nothing compares to the wonder of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage reminds us that Jesus is more than just a historical figure; He is the embodiment of divine wonder and wisdom.

The word "wonderful" in Hebrew, "palah," signifies something extraordinary, beyond human comprehension. Jesus' life, from His preexistence to His resurrection, is a testament to this divine wonder. He existed before time, was born of the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and ultimately conquered death. Each aspect of His life defies human understanding and invites us to marvel at His greatness.

Moreover, Jesus is our "Counselor." In ancient times, a king was seen as a counselor to his people, providing guidance and protection. Jesus, as our divine Counselor, offers wisdom and direction in our lives. He knows our struggles and meets us where we are, offering comfort and guidance. His counsel is not limited by time or space; He is always available to us, ready to provide the strength and wisdom we need.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came to be our Wonderful Counselor. Whether we face joy or sorrow, He is with us, offering His extraordinary wisdom and love. Let us seek His guidance and embrace the wonder of His presence in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Wonder of Jesus: The term "wonderful" in Isaiah 9:6 goes beyond our typical understanding of the word. It signifies something extraordinary and beyond human comprehension. Jesus' life, from His preexistence to His resurrection, embodies this divine wonder, inviting us to marvel at His greatness. [44:41]
2. Jesus as Counselor: In ancient times, a king was seen as a counselor to his people, providing guidance and protection. Jesus, as our divine Counselor, offers wisdom and direction in our lives. He knows our struggles and meets us where we are, offering comfort and guidance. [54:22]
3. Eternal Presence: Jesus is not bound by time or space. He is always available to us, ready to provide the strength and wisdom we need. Unlike earthly counselors, He is accessible 24/7, offering His guidance and support whenever we need it. [62:58]
4. Meeting Us Where We Are: Jesus meets us in our specific circumstances, whether we face physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. He knows our needs and offers His counsel and love, guiding us through life's difficulties. [60:30]
5. Embracing the Christmas Season: As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came to be our Wonderful Counselor. Whether we face joy or sorrow, He is with us, offering His extraordinary wisdom and love. Let us seek His guidance and embrace the wonder of His presence in our lives. [01:06:07]
** [66:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:05] - Introduction to the Christmas Series
[41:43] - Context of Isaiah's Prophecy
[43:18] - The Wonder of Jesus
[44:41] - Understanding "Wonderful"
[46:20] - Jesus' Preexistence and Birth
[47:18] - Jesus' Life and Miracles
[48:18] - Jesus' Death and Resurrection
[49:40] - The Significance of Christmas and Easter
[50:55] - Prayer for Understanding
[52:54] - Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor
[54:22] - The Role of a Kingly Counselor
[55:17] - Real-Life Examples from John
[57:54] - Jesus' Counsel to the Samaritan Woman
[59:31] - Jesus' Counsel to the Paralyzed Man
[60:30] - Jesus' Omniscience and Guidance
[62:18] - Taking Action with Jesus' Strength
[62:58] - Jesus' Availability
[64:12] - Embracing Jesus as Our Counselor
[66:07] - Encouragement for the Christmas Season

Sermon Clips

"Now the biblical theologian, Matthew Henry, explains it this way. He says, Justly is he called wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints." [00:43:18] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The Hebrew word, palah, wonderful in our text, indicates this. Something uncommon or out of the ordinary. I mean, something good happens to us, that's pretty ordinary, because good things happen to us all the time." [00:44:17] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"A phenomenon lying outside our capacity to understand it. It goes on to say that, that which is separated from the normal cause of events, something that cannot be explained. So this wonderful man, Jesus, this wonderful God, Jesus, it's hard to even describe how wonderful he is, because our minds can't grasp how wonderful he is." [00:45:07] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"God sent the prophet Isaiah about 700 years before the birth of Jesus to proclaim to them their sin, but yet he told them there is a remedy for this sin. There is someone coming to take care of this sin." [00:48:06] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"He's not just amazing and outside of our human understanding when it comes to his wonder. But he's also a counselor. Now, I love the historic setting here, right? Because Isaiah, again, is teaching these people something they understood better than we do." [00:53:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Matthew Henry, again, states about this. Jesus, being counseled by God the Father, gives great counsel to his people. He cares about our welfare, and he holds extraordinary wisdom. We can consult him, and he directs our path." [00:54:41] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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