Focus 40 - Day 30

Isaiah 9:6

The Wonderful Counselor

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

 

It is Isaiah who introduces us to one of the most familiar prophetic names given the Messiah: Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6). Isaiah is here foretelling of One who will come as the ultimate answer to Israel’s every problem.  This prophecy came during the time of great disturbance in Judah. There was a need for a king who would rule in power, but who would be able to bring “wise counsel” into troubling situations and help resolve them.

Most of us can find some kind of identification with these feelings of frustration. Periodically we find ourselves faced with problems that defy solutions.  But in Jesus’ name, our “Wounderful Counselor”, we can find help.

Living today in Jesus’ name, our “Wonderful Counselor” is to face today’s activities anticipating an inexhaustible supply of wonderful insight – insight that flows form a supernatural vantage point. Because Christ sees all there is to see, His counsel, instructions, teaching and directions are all we need to travel through today’s circumstances.  Furthermore we have the confidence as we realize Jesus not only gives insight, HE is insight.

Insight for today is by a prayer away if we learn to listen. Too many of us are like Joshua who, after seeking “insight” from his Captain prior to the triumph at Jericho (Joshua 5:13 -15), failed to seek similar counsel before what became his defeat at Ai (Joshua7:2-5).

But before we move into the day trusting Christ to be our Wonderful Counselor, we need to spend more quality time with Him alone. We need to let Him show us the day through His eyes. After all Jesus didn’t just say “pray”. He said “watch and pray” (Matt. 26:41). He is saying be alert to subtleties of satan and the potential failures of the flesh that might await you this day.

Friends, satan would seek to seduce you today and “sift us as wheat” seeking to defeat you as he sought Peter’s defeat (Luke 22:31). We must prayerfully anticipate these occasions and in the name of Jesus, our “Wonderful Counselor”, seek insight to avoid them. Whom will we meet? Where will we go? What are our plans? Is temptation waiting in some future hidden moment? Christ warns us to stay close to Him. He is our insight – insight is “the power or act of seeing into a situation.” So, while we are “looking into Jesus” (Heb.12:2), He will be looking out for us (John 10:28).