“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.” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV)
He shall be called Wonderful Counselor! Wonderful! There is great wonder associated with the child to be born. Wonder is mystery. Wonder is awe. Wonder is it is too good to be true. You know how the saying goes – if it is too good to be true it usually is. But when it comes to Jesus everything is true. Everything is good. It is better than good.
A counselor is one who imparts wisdom. Jesus gives us wonderful wisdom because he is the wisdom of God personified. The next time you read the Book of Proverbs, substitute the word “wisdom” with the name “Jesus.” It will give you a whole new perspective.
Wisdom is not knowledge
There are plenty of knowledgeable people who are not wise. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge. Whether you have little knowledge or great knowledge, a wise person knows how to make use of their knowledge. We live in an age where we have greater access to knowledge than ever before. But it has done nothing to make us wiser.
Wisdom is to listen
God directs us how to live. He gives us the 10 Commandments. There is a reason they are not called the 10 Suggestions. When we honor the Commandments, we find abundance. When we ignore them, we discover trouble.
Some see God’s Commandments as God’s way of lording over us. The truth of the matter is that he gives them for our benefit. Read what God says in Deuteronomy:
“Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29, ESV)
Wisdom has an eternal perspective
Another important part of wisdom is to have an eternal perspective. It is to see the big picture. Our biggest regrets come from exchanging long term gain for short term gain.
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Wisdom is to distinguish between what is fleeting and what is lasting.
Wisdom is trust in God
Wisdom is the discernment to know who and what to trust. It is the opposite of being gullible. A conman may scam one person. Another person will see through the conman. What made the difference? Wisdom!
The greatest conman out there is Satan. He is described as the great deceiver. He deceives many to put their trust in something other than God. But wisdom sees through the schemes of the Evil One so that we can put our full confidence in Christ.
Wisdom is a gift from God
Wisdom is not something taught. It is not something earned. It is a gift! In the book of James it says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV)
Ask God for this wonderful wisdom today!
Wisdom is a relationship with God
Finally, know that wisdom is not about what I possess in my head. It is a relationship with the Savior. Jesus is the Counselor of Wonder. Simply put: life is better with Jesus. If something in my life is not right, consider how Jesus has been left out and how I might bring Jesus into that part of my life.
Questions for Reflection
- How is the wisdom of God greater than any other wisdom we could possess?
- How is wisdom found?
- Why do we fail to make use of God’s wisdom?
- Share your comments.
DeSena Anita says
PASTOR: I mentioned your name at our Cong.Meeting on Sunday as a possible candidate for an opening in SYNODs national board. My Pastor RICHERT, said only willing Pastors names can be submitted, so I have been sharing the last four copies of GREATER THINGS with him. I feel they demonstrate a useful talent needed on Synods Board. You may hear from him, or you may call him at OUR SAVIOR L.C., Mt. POCONO.
Anita DeSena (Alicia’s mother) GOD BLESS,
Phil Ressler says
Thanks Anita I am honored you thought of me. Not something I ever really thought about. I will message you offline.