Devotions this week are based on Week 1 of “He Shall Be Called: Wonderful Counselor” (CLICK HERE)
The result matters.
Matthew 4:12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. Light came into the darkness.
When one is affected by positive advice, wonderful counsel, it often is like a light goes off. That which was challenging you, you see a path forward. That which was confusing to you, now is made clear. That which seemed insurmountable, now appears like a small bump in the road.
When we connect to the words of Jesus, the outcome is always positive.
I was listening to an interview with Peter Hegseth, the nominee for the Cabinet position of Secretary of Defense. The news reports various challenges he had with two divorces, an affair in a hotel room, challenges with alcohol and various other charges. To be sure one has to filter the media reports to discover the truth, but in the interview Peter expressed in the past years one thing that has changed his perspective and his behavior is a new faith in Jesus. He admits and is not proud of some of the past moral failures but expressed joy in knowing they are reconciled by Jesus. He is ready to serve his country, but he is at peace because he knows as he walks with Jesus, the right thing will always take place.
The results matter.
When we connect to Jesus, we receive wonderful counsel that changes our heart and our life.
Jesus not only preaches repentance but gives forgiveness. He invites us to stop trying to make up for our sins or earn our way into heaven. Personal attempts leave us far short and feeling always worried about our standing with God. Jesus advises, “Confess your sins to me and I am faithful and just and will forgive you from all your sins.”
Jesus invites us to give up our worries about the future and know with confidence that our value before him will always lead him to do what is best for us. Like the sparrows that fill the air don’t have to worry, so we can heed the advice that Jesus reminds us we are much more valuable than they and if our heavenly Father cares for them, he will care for us.
We can seek a lot of counsel and direction in life as to career, purpose, passion etc. All this can be a tool that is helpful, however Jesus reminds us that we are here for the purpose God made us. To glorify God and serve the people around us. He reminds us that our greatest purpose is to let our Christian light shine in the world around us so that people see the good we do in Jesus’ name and praise God who is in heaven.
We get lots of advice about retirement, end of life issues, and fill out a will, medical power of attorney and other documents to prepare for death. Again, these are wise and practical to make it easy on those that survive you, but Jesus reminds us that death is just a transition to heaven for the believer. He is the resurrection and the life and that all who believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
This is wonderful counsel and wonderful counsel brings wonderful results: a secure and lasting hope that gives our hearts peace today and gives our lives certainty for eternity.
Apply: What counsel from Jesus would help your heart today? Perhaps read a chapter of John’s gospel and ask, “Jesus, show me your wonderful counsel for my life today.”
Prayer: Lord, in all things we rejoice that you sent Jesus, OUR Wonderful Counselor to this earth not only to secure our salvation but to speak truth, wisdom and wonderful counsel into our hearts and lives. AMEN.