454. ISA 9:6. CHRIST A COUNSELLOR

Isa_9:6. Christ A Counsellor

"Counsellor."’97Isa_9:6.

We now have to consider the second illustrious title of the Messiah, of whom it is said, "The government shall be on his shoulders." The spirit of prophecy testified of Christ as the "Counsellor," Pro_8:14; and Isa_2:2. Let us ascertain,

I. Wherein he has exhibited himself as our Counsellor.

He did so,

1. In the council regarding the redemption of our world.

With us there is time past, present, &c.; with Jehovah all things, as it were, are before him. Now, it is clear that God foresaw the entrance of sin and ruin into our world. It is clear also that he benevolently contemplated its deliverance from sin, and the power of the evil one. Now this is often spoken of as the council wherein the agreement was formed and the covenant made, None in heaven could be found sufficient for the undertaking, until Jesus, one of the council, said, "Lo I come," &c. This council seems clearly intimated in Isaiah 53, where both the sufferings and reward of the Messiah seem determined.

2. In the council respecting the creation of our world.

This event, and especially that of forming man, seem to have been decided in council. The language found in the book of Proverbs,Isa_8:22, is generally ascribed to the Son of God. And here Christ was appointed to have creative power and universal authority, &c. Now there are four places in the holy scriptures where the plural number is used in respect to Deity, and which implies council, Gen_1:26, Gen_3:22, Gen_11:7; Isa_6:8.

3. In his actual work when he brought life and immortality to light by the gospel He came to give counsel to a lost world He came to make known the way of peace The way of salvation and eternal life Wherever he went he appeared as a counsellor from heaven. And he was such to all persons. He counselled both the Pharisees and the publicans, the religious and the profane.

4. In his especial counsels to his believing disciples.

How often he conversed, &c. with these, with all affection, with all tenderness and simplicity. He spoke to them what he did not to the world. For them he had especial instruction. So also now he manifests, &c. He anointed them with the holy unction, &c. So the Asiatic churches, Rev_3:18.

5. In his personal counsels and pleadings with his Father on our behalf.

That solemn prayer, which is recorded throughout the seventeenth chapter of John, is a striking evidence of this. So also he says again, Joh_14:15, "I will pray the Father," &c. So says the same apostle, "If any man sin," &c. See also Rom_8:33.

II. The peculiar Characteristics of Christ as our Counsellor. Now,

1. He possesses infallible knowledge.

Of the mind of God and the heart of man. Of all that relates to us, both as it regards time and eternity. In him dwelt all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. He possesses immutable rectitude.

Justice, purity, and truth, are the perfections of his nature.

3. He possesses unbounded influence.

Him the Father always heareth. In pleading with God for us, he has the firmest grounds of appeal to the Father,’97his office,’97his merits,’97his glory, &c.

4. He is distinguished for his unfailing tenderness and compassion.

He makes the case of every disciple his own. "In all their afflictions," &c. He sympathizes in all their distresses, and bears all their sicknesses. And he never tires, never is wearied, and never forsakes his people.

Application

Learn,

1. The privilege of the true Christian. Christ the counsellor is his Lord and friend. Now we must use him as such or we dishonor him. In difficulty. In temptation. In sorrow. When the enemy has injured you. In despondency, &c. Go to him. Go humbly believing, confiding 2. Let the backslider regard his counsels. How unwilling he is to give you up &c.

3. Let the sinner also hearken. "Come unto me," &c.

4. Let the incorrigible enemy tremble Hear the voice of God respecting his anointed, Psa_2:10, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS