Advent Week 1
What Child Is This: Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah shared two visions he had about a child who would come and bring about a foundation of hope for not only Judah but for the world. For advent this year I want to look at Isaiah 9:6 but first, let’s take a step back.
Here we see that Isaiah has been describing Israel’s future in verses 2 and 3. In a time when Judah was afraid and powerless, Isaiah spoke about the return of light, security, and abundance through the defeat of their enemies. Isaiah’s audience had experienced tragedy and destruction at the hands of opposing forces and nations.
Then in Isaiah 9:6, we have a prophecy about a future child who would bear the government on his shoulders and be called by titles that could only rightfully be attributed to God:
What Child is This: Wonderful Counselor
In modern times we have come to embrace Isaiah 9:6 as a simple birth announcement. The reason for the season if you will. Much like when Isaiah wrote this prophecy darkness is trying to overtake our world. We are facing many challenges.
But we should not let the full purpose of this prophecy be overlooked. Isaiah shows that God has always heard the cry of His people and reveals God’s promise of a coming Savior. And an even more important point, Isaiah’s good news is just as applicable today.
This savior will be a king who will not only lead Israel but the entire world. He will be the leader people really need. He will be a qualified ruler bearing wisdom beyond human capacity. He will CARE for, bring HOPE to, and be a source of JOY to all mankind. Isaiah provides confidence in how he will govern because this child will be a “Wonderful Counselor.”