Have You Considered This?
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
One of the greatest things about being a father is the transition from authority figure to counselor. Some will say that you never stop truly being an authority figure to your children, and there is truth to that. However, it has been a while since I went to my oldest daughter, who is now 36, and said to her in no uncertain terms, “Because I said so.” The most enlightening discussions tended to have focused on choices and helping them think through situations. I give more questions than answers not because I do not have answers. It is more that to help them see things for themselves based on the things their mother and me poured into them throughout the years. It is much like the guidance counselors I have had in my life. They never told me what to do. They asked questions like, “Have you considered this?”
This brought me to think about today’s verse and how Jesus is a counselor. Yes, He is God and as such an authority figure. That is understood. He is also a friend for He said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) While there are so many names for Jesus, the one that is often overlooked is His being a counselor. There are far too many parables that could be named to illustrate His teachings. But here is where the counselor role comes into play. When we are in situations where we struggling to find answers, we should always rely on Jesus’ teaching and follow that old acronym of ‘WWJD’ (What Would Jesus Do). For me, it is like hearing a voice in my head giving guidance and clarity to a situation. When conflicted by a decision, He is a voice of reassurance in what is good, just, and right. He is also the voice of grace, compassion, and love when something goes wrong. He gives clear guidance forward not as a command. He asks us to follow Him, and we only need to heed that advice. That is why He is a Wonderful Counselor.
The guidance of Jesus is perfect. When we think about the many things that Jesus does for us, we think of love, savior, and many other things that are all true and virtuous. What we often lose sight of is what He has poured into us through His words and teachings. While He is certainly an authority figure, He gives us clarity and insight into our faith and living a life centered on a purpose bigger than just our own life. We are to be grateful for all the guidance He gives us. Let us remember one of His greatest attributes, His counsel. What issues are you facing today that He can speak to? How will you practice using His advice and teachings more in your day-to-day activities? My prayer is we recognize one of Jesus’ most undervalued names, Wonderful Counselor, and ask, “Have you considered this?” Amen.