He Shall Be Called: Wonderful Counselor and Hope

What a joy it is to gather together and reflect on the life and vibrancy that God is stirring among us. This past week has been a beautiful testimony of the body of Christ serving with enthusiasm and joy, a living picture of what it means to be a people filled with the Spirit. As we begin our new series based on Isaiah 9:6, we are reminded that the names given to Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—are not just for Christmas, but are truths to anchor our lives in every season.

The heart of our focus today is on Jesus as our “Wonderful Counselor.” The enemy’s oldest tactic is to undermine our understanding of who God is and what He thinks of us. This was true in the garden with Eve, and it remains the battleground of our faith today. If we lose sight of God’s true character, or forget how He sees us, our spiritual foundation begins to erode. Isaiah’s prophecy came in a time of deep darkness, yet it pointed to a hope that would break through not only the external oppression of Israel, but the internal darkness of our own hearts.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy in every way. Though the fullness of His government is not yet visible in the world’s broken systems, we see glimpses of His reign wherever lives are transformed, justice and mercy coexist, and people are filled with hope and joy. His kingdom is alive and working, often quietly, as we open our hearts to His rule.

To call Jesus “Wonderful” is to acknowledge that He is beyond our comprehension—He fills us with awe and childlike wonder. Too often, we lose this sense of wonder as we grow weary or distracted by life’s burdens. Yet, we are invited to marvel again, to see with fresh eyes the beauty of who He is and what He has done. The stories of people in our own community—those who have been transformed, who serve with zeal, who are amazed that God would use them—remind us of the wonder of salvation and the privilege of being part of God’s work.

As “Counselor,” Jesus is the one who truly knows us, who guides us with perfect wisdom, and who is always with us. In a world full of competing voices and counterfeit counsel, He alone leads us into light and truth. Our challenge is to dwell on His character, to let our hearts be stirred to wonder, and to allow Him to be the one who shapes our decisions and our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Rediscover the Wonder of God It is easy to become numb or distracted by the routines and hardships of life, losing the sense of awe that once filled our hearts. Yet, God invites us to continually marvel at His beauty, His grace, and His works. True spiritual vitality is found in never losing our wonder, approaching God with the wide-eyed amazement of a child, and allowing that wonder to fuel our worship and service. [61:39]
• 2. Guard Your View of God’s Character The enemy’s most effective strategy is to distort our understanding of who God is and how He sees us. When we doubt God’s goodness or His intentions toward us, our faith is weakened. We must anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s character as revealed in Jesus—generous, trustworthy, and full of love—so that when temptation or accusation comes, we can respond with confidence in who He truly is. [49:03]
• 3. Jesus is the Only True Counselor In a world overflowing with advice and self-help, Jesus stands alone as the perfect Counselor. He knows us better than we know ourselves, always has our best interests at heart, and guides us with wisdom that leads to life. Turning to Him for counsel is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom, as He alone can lead us out of darkness and into the fullness of God’s purposes. [79:11]
• 4. Enthusiastic Discipleship Flows from God Within The word “enthusiasm” comes from being inspired or possessed by God. When we are filled with the Spirit, our lives are marked by color, vibrancy, and zeal. This is not mere emotionalism, but a deep, Spirit-born passion that overflows in service, generosity, and joy. To be an enthusiastic disciple is to be alive to the things of God, continually amazed at His kingdom and eager to see His will done. [65:23]
• 5. The Government of Jesus Brings True Peace Human efforts at peace are always incomplete, as the darkness in the human heart cannot be overcome by policy or agreement. Only Jesus, whose government is marked by justice, mercy, and grace, can bring lasting peace. As we open our lives to His reign, we become agents of that peace, living as signs of the kingdom that is both here and still coming. [56:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [45:35] - Celebrating a Week of Service
• [46:17] - The Raucous Toad and Sleepless Nights
• [47:31] - Introducing the Series: He Shall Be Called
• [48:25] - The Two Pillars of Faith
• [49:03] - The Enemy’s Oldest Tactic
• [51:12] - Reading Isaiah 9:1-7
• [52:29] - Hope in the Midst of Darkness
• [53:25] - Jesus Fulfills Isaiah’s Prophecy
• [54:15] - The Government on His Shoulders
• [55:19] - Signs of Jesus’ Reign Today
• [57:10] - What Does “Wonderful Counselor” Mean?
• [58:33] - The Biblical Meaning of “Wonderful”
• [61:39] - Never Lose Your Wonder
• [65:23] - Enthusiastic Disciples: God Within
• [69:42] - The Wonder of Salvation Stories
• [75:57] - Jesus as Our Counselor
• [79:11] - Why Jesus is the Perfect Counselor
• [80:43] - Invitation to Dwell on God’s Character
• [81:02] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

Isaiah 9:1-7 (ESV) —
> 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
>
> 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.
>
> 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
>
> 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
>
> 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.
>
> 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.
>
> 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Observation Questions

1. According to Isaiah 9:6, what are the four names given to the promised child, and what do these names reveal about his character? ([52:07])
2. In the sermon, what examples were given of how the government of Jesus is seen in the world today, even if not fully? ([55:19])
3. How does the biblical meaning of “wonderful” differ from how we use the word today? ([58:33])
4. What does the sermon say about the enemy’s oldest tactic in the Garden of Eden, and how does it relate to our view of God? ([49:03])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Isaiah’s prophecy about a “Wonderful Counselor” come in a time of deep darkness for Israel, and what hope does it offer to people then and now? ([52:29])
2. The sermon says that losing our sense of wonder can make our faith feel routine or numb. Why is it important to keep a sense of awe and wonder in our relationship with God? ([01:01:39])
3. The message describes Jesus as the only true Counselor. What makes Jesus a better counselor than any other source of advice or guidance? ([01:19:11])
4. How does the way we view God’s character affect our ability to trust Him, especially when life is difficult or confusing? ([49:03])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “never lose our wonder.” When was the last time you felt truly amazed by God? What practical step could you take this week to recapture a sense of wonder in your faith? ([01:01:39])
2. The enemy tries to distort our view of God’s character. Are there any lies or doubts you’ve struggled with about who God is or how He sees you? How can you anchor yourself in the truth of God’s character? ([49:03])
3. The message says that Jesus is the only true Counselor, and that turning to Him is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. What is one area of your life where you need Jesus’ counsel right now? How will you seek His guidance this week? ([01:19:11])
4. The sermon described “enthusiastic discipleship” as being filled with God’s Spirit, leading to vibrant service and joy. What is one way you can serve others with enthusiasm this week, even if it’s something small? ([01:05:23])
5. The government of Jesus brings true peace, unlike anything the world can offer. Is there a situation in your life or relationships where you need to invite Jesus’ peace and reign? What would it look like to do that? ([56:22])
6. The sermon gave examples of people in the church who were amazed that God would use them. Do you ever feel unqualified or surprised that God wants to use you? How might God want to use you in this season? ([01:08:38])
7. The message encouraged us to dwell on God’s character and let it shape our decisions. What is one decision you’re facing where you need to let God’s character guide you, rather than your own preferences or fears? ([01:20:43])