When you hear the word “counselor,” what comes to your mind? The first thing I think of is a school counselor. I don’t know what school counselors were like in your world- or if you even knew any. But back in the day when I was in high school, they were all about trying to help you figure out what you wanted to be when you grew up. I remember taking a test when I was about 15 that would help me determine the ideal career path for my life. Ever done that before? Well the test had questions like – what do you like to do, do you like being with people, are you adventurous, etc…
I responded that I absolutely loved to drive- after all- I was on the verge of getting a license- that I loved meeting new people, and exploring new places. I eagerly awaited the results of my test, and when they arrived I was greatly anticipating the answers. This was to be my identity in life. Was I supposed to be an astronaut? A scientist? A commanding officer in the military? A president of the United States? Much to my surprise, when I saw the test results- the answer of what I was supposed to be when I grew up- according to this counseling- was- a truck driver. Can you imagine me as a truck driver? I definitely don’t fit the mold. I have friends that do. It is an important profession- but it would be one of the last things I would do if I had to do something different today.
That’s just one form of counseling. Maybe you think of professional counseling. Someone who gives wise and practical advice to someone – a psychologist. I have deep respect for these people and have gone through a lot of counseling myself- especially grief and family counseling- because I want to love my wife and family well, and process some of the more difficult times I’ve gone through in life. But this is just helpful advice.
That is why I feel the term Wonderful Counselor in English falls tragically short of what should come to mind when we read Isaiah 9:6. What does the term Wonderful Counselor mean? How is that significant? After careful thought and prayer, I settled on the picture that Jesus gives of Himself in John 10:1-21 as the best illustration of this verse. I’m excited to walk through it with you this weekend. I hope that by the end of this sermon, and sermon series, we will have a much deeper appreciation for who Jesus really is, especially in regard to Isaiah 9:6.
I invite you to join with us as we see how Jesus is Our Wonderful Counselor and Good Shepherd. Our socially distanced service is Saturday afternoon at 3:30, and our Sunday morning service is at 10:15, where you can join us online if you can’t make it in person. We also have Sunday School classes at 9 for all ages.
Have a great weekend and I look forward to pursuing Christ, Community, and the Great Commission Together with you soon!
– Pastor Nathan