“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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV

I love that Jesus is my counselor. Seeking, listening to, and acting on His counsel are intentional actions I’m constantly working to do naturally. But whether or not I do, He is still a Wonderful Counselor. And He remains with me: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26 ESV). 

Listen: “Unto Us”

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” Jeremiah 33:14-16 ESV

According to Merriam-Webster, the word righteous “stresses guiltlessness or blamelessness.” It’s also related to justice and morality. We cannot be righteous, because we aren’t guiltless or blameless, but Jesus is righteous for us: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3:21-22 ESV).

Listen: “Joy to the World”

Listen: “Ode to Joy to the World”

In what ways do you see Jesus as your Counselor and Righteousness?