Joe Bayly in his book, View From a Hearse said, “Don’t try to “prove” anything to a survivor. An arm about the shoulder, a firm grip of the hand, a kiss: these are the proofs grief needs, not logical reasoning.” Christ gives greater comfort in every situation than any human possibly can.

Transition

As we examine the four qualities of Christ described in Isaiah 9:6 (a prophecy of his birth and future reign as King), I want us to consider the comfort and help Christ offers us.

Christ’s first quality is that of being the

Wonderful Counsellor

While this quality may be two separate qualities, some men claim that it is “actually one title in the Hebrew.” (KJV Bible Commentary, p.784) Either way, both titles apply to Christ.

  1. Christ is the Wonderful Counsellor
    1. To be “wonderful” describes a marvel. “This word is used to represent something unusual or extraordinary.” (CWSD) It also contains the idea of “incomprehensible” or “extraordinary.” Our minds are not able to comprehend all that he is. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Creator, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and much more.
    2. The word “counsellor” speaks of one who gives counsel or advice or guidance. Thomas Constable adds, “‘Wonderful Counsellor’ is literally ‘wonder of a counsellor’ . . . His counsel would transcend merely human wisdom.” The Apostle Paul described Christ as “the only wise God” in 1 Timothy 1:17. Christ’s counsel draws from his wonderful abilities.
  2. When you need advice, turn to Christ
    1. Some people are able to give extremely good advice. When I hear such advice, I marvel and think, why didn’t I think of that. But you know, the counsel of Christ is far better. It is always right and exactly what we need.
    2. When Christ walked this earth, his counsel was so extraordinary and awesome that even those who hated Him could find no flaw in it. He sees the entire picture and knows the exactly right answer for every situation. The Bible says of him,
      1. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
      2. “The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalms 19:9)
    3. When you need direction seek it from him, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:3) Because he is wonderful, he knows exactly what you should do.
    4. When you lack wisdom, ask the Lord for it. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:5-6) God promises wisdom if we do not doubt his ability to supply it. Remember he is the Wonderful Counsellor.
      Christ’s second quality is that of being

The Mighty God

  1. Christ is the Mighty God
    1. “Mighty” describes one who is “strong or valiant.” It depicted “the heroes or champions among the armed forces.” (TWOT)
    2. Being God, his power is unlimited. Christ is the strongest Sovereign. Nothing is too hard for him.
      1. Moses urged Joshua and the people not to fear their enemies. “Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.” (Deuteronomy 7:21)
      2. Jeremiah wrote, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:” (Jeremiah 32:17) (cf. John 1:1-3)
  2. When you need help in time of trouble, go to Christ
    1. When troubles threaten to separate you from the love of Christ, remember, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
    2. When you face a situation that seems hopeless, remember the words of Paul’s prayer. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)
    3. When the devil is tempting you to do or think wrongly, remember the words of the Apostle John. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
      Christ’s third quality is that of being the

Everlasting Father

  1. Christ is the Everlasting Father
    1. This is a difficult phrase. The Hebrew literally says, “Father of eternity.” (Barnes Notes) “He is God, one with the Father, who is from everlasting to everlasting.” (Matthew Henry)
    2. David Guzik suggests, “The idea in these Hebrew words is that Jesus is the source or author of all eternity, that He is the Creator Himself. It does not mean that Jesus Himself is the Person of the Father in the Trinity.”
    3. As God, Christ is eternal. “The same was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:2) He existed before time and will continue to exist eternally. He is timeless. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)
    4. Christ is also the eternal Father of our salvation. He purchased it with his blood. We are his children.
  2. When you are afraid, cling to your Everlasting Father.
    1. A loving father will protect and provide for his children. When they do wrong, he will discipline them in love.
    2. Christ as our Everlasting Father is a refuge in time of storm. As a hen, he will protect his “chicks” from danger. He will provide your needs. He will chasten you when you get out of line. He loves you dearly.
    3. He is unchanging “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8). He is 100% trustworthy. He will always be there when you need help. “. . . for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (He 13:5)
      Christ’s fourth quality is that of being the

Prince of Peace

  1. Christ is the Prince of Peace
    1. Peace is tranquillity. It also means “prosperity, well, health, completeness, safety.” (TWOT, 2401)
    2. Being prince, this tells us that Christ is the supreme ruler over peace. He is its leader, chief, and captain. He is in control of our peace, health, and safety.
  2. When tempted to worry, cast your care on Christ.
    1. He does not just give peace. He IS peace. He is able to give peace in the midst of the most violent storm in life. Jonah 1:15 and Mark 4:39 illustrate this.
    2. Often, we can do nothing to change the circumstances that threaten our peace, health and safety, but Christ can.
      1. Scheming often makes things worse.
      2. Worrying makes us ill and adds to the problem.
      3. The only wise thing to do is to give our burdens to the Prince of Peace.
      4. “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22)
      5. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Conclusion

Christ is the Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. If you will rely on these four qualities of Christ, you will be wiser, safer, comforted, and at peace. Isaiah 9:6 is one of those verses we all need to memorise and meditate on regularly.

Song: Trust and Obey, 261
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Comforting Qualities of Christ
22 December 2024 PM ~ Isaiah 9:6