Scripture makes it plain that we have terrible taste in seeking counsel for this life. There is no question that we desperately need a wonderful counselor, but how would we know if we had come into contact and enjoyment the child given unto us?

Why Do We Need A Wonderful Counselor?

Isaiah 8:18-22

“Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?”

The counsel we seek is so bad it would be like asking something that is dead advice about how to live.

Isaiah 8:18–22 (ESV)
Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

What Makes A Good Counselor?

Isaiah 9:2

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…”

A counselor sheds light and points to freedom.

Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Exodus 18:17 (ESV)
Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good.

Exodus 18:23 (ESV)
If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”

Isaiah 9:1

“…He has made glorious the way…”

When the light dawns it isn’t always beautiful at first. It makes sense that Jesus would invite us to repent and be a part of His Kingdom where His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Matthew 4:12–17 (ESV)
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 11:25–30 (ESV)
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What Makes Jesus Wonderful?

Isaiah 53

When Jesus invites is into His Kingdom…He points to the thing we’re clinging to causing us gloom and anguish and says…”I never demanded of you. You can lay that down. That doesn’t constitute greatness or success or fulfillment in My Kingdom.”

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV)
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.