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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace* (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).
The best definition for the Hebrew word “counselor” in the Old Testament is. . . well. . . “counselor,” or “one who gives advice and wisdom.” The Hebrew word for “wonderful” can be any of these words: “marvelous,” “wonderful,” “amazing,” or “extraordinary.”
I’ve been to counseling, and as a pastor, I’ve encouraged many to go to counseling. And I think some of you should make an appointment for counseling! I support the practice of counseling and appreciate that Jesus is our marvelous, wonderful, amazing, and extraordinary Counselor.
But did you know that Jesus has an assistant Counselor?
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you (John 16:7).
The Greek word for “helper” can also be translated as “counselor”! With Jesus in heaven, we now have a Counselor who dwells within us — that’s Jesus in heaven and the Spirit within, or two counselors for the price of one.
Visiting a counselor on this earth might cost $100 an hour, but our two marvelous, wonderful, amazing, extraordinary Counselors, one in heaven and the other within, are free!
There are differing approaches to counseling.
Some consider Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalysis the beginning of modern psychology. However, too many found his introspective approach too confusing, especially when he talked about our id, ego, and superego.
So, Carl Jung (who I consider to be the father of secular counseling) appeared on the scene with a more relational approach of talking and talking and talking about our dreams and hidden consciousness. Since Jung, the “talking and talking” aspect of counseling has been appreciated by counselors who charge $100 an hour for the talking!
Let’s cast Freud and Jung aside for a moment and give credit to Jesus, who (along with the Spirit) is the only perfect Counselor.
What’s the Spirit’s approach to counseling?
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
We can sum up the Spirit’s modality of counseling in one word — conviction. Whereas secular counseling avoids discussing actual sin through endless self-examination, obfuscation, and denial of our culpability in transgressing God’s holiness — the Bible gets right to the point.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
Since Jesus created us, He knows what is wrong with us, and He provided the solution through His blood. And to make sure we have proper insight into our specific difficulties, Jesus sent the Counselor to help us.
Let’s continue with counseling through humans, as God uses most counselors. But let’s not neglect being filled with the Spirit.
And the Spirit’s advice doesn’t cost $100 an hour.
*In Interruptions, I’ve been working through the titles of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6, anticipating Christmas. For my thoughts on the “Prince of Peace,” read Interruption # 1416 at www.grantedwardsaruthor.com.