The Road To Bethlehem: Counsleor

As we continue on the road to Bethlehem, we continue with our examination of the prophecy of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6. Thus far, we've read about how the Messiah will

• Be born a baby
• Will be a son
• Will be ruler over all, and
• Will be wonderful

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

• In the Old Testament, a counsellor was someone who gave you advice and helped you plan. The Hebrew word here was often used of a king's top helpers, the people who helped the most in running his kingdom.
• We know that the Messiah would be the King of Kings. Here we see him referred to as Counselor. To me, this says that as King of Kings, he doesn't need anyone's advice. He already knows what is best.
• As I mentioned when we looked at "wonderful" most translations treat this as one phrase: "Wonderful Counselor." The New English Translation of the Bible translates this phrase as "Extraordinary Strategist."
• We often think of strategy when we're playing chess. We think a move may be a good move because it causes our oppponent to not have any good moves or to lose.
• The Messiah, the prophecy says, will be a master strategist. He will always know what the best move will be. He will always know how to acheive victory.
• Do you think that Jesus knows what is best for you?
• Can you follow Jesus' advice?
• Do you think that you should do what Jesus says to do?