The Weekly Epistle 12/8/21

What’s in a name?  Do you realize there is a verse in Scripture that speaks to our getting a new name when we get to heaven?  (Check it out it is in Revelation 2:17).  Imagine that!  God has a name reserved just for you.  I can’t wait to hear God whisper my name.  What’s in a name?  
 
Throughout Scripture we see the significance given to the person named.  We come to a list of throne names for the One born in Bethlehem.  They are character descriptions of the Messiah.  In Isaiah chapter 9 in verse 6 it says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  
 
This is quite a birth announcement!  Birth announcements typically say something like this, “Born on Tuesday at 8 pounds and 21 inches long.”  Birth announcements don’t say, “Excellent soccer player, will attend Harvard, future president of big institution.”  This announcement is unique because this baby is like no other.  Each name informs us of what Jesus will do.  
 
The first name for the Christ Child is Wonderful Counselor.  The first word, “Wonderful” serves to qualify the second word, “Counselor.”  In other words, this One born would be a wonder of a counselor.  It is a wonder that God would break into human history by passing though Mary’s birth canal.  When the Shepherds spread the word about the baby Jesus, Luke tells us that the people were amazed.  This God becoming man was such a wonder that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”  God taking on humanity is a wonder.  Whatever happened to wonder?  
 
This counselor is a wonder because His counsel goes far beyond any human counsel.  It is extraordinary and surpassing.  He is the counselor every counselor desires to be.  He is the embodiment of divine wisdom.  His counsel is unfailing.  He never has an off day.  He can speak to every need.  Jesus is the wonder of a counselor in that we can obtain instruction and guidance for our lives from Him and in His Word.  This is great news for all who need guidance.  
 
Do you need guidance?  Whatever it is you are working through right now in your life, have you checked in with the Wonder of a Counselor?  Has your heart become disillusioned and disenchanted by the counsel of the world?  Jesus is the one you are looking for.  You are not left alone to your own devices and earthly wisdom.  What’s in a name?  Jesus, the wonder of a counselor, is near.  He desires to speak to your need.  
 
What’s in a name?  Do pause this Christmas season to ponder the One who met our greatest need and who desires to graciously give us all things.
 
The Nativity Story shown this Friday night at the Christmas Extravaganza helps us to focus on the greatest birth announcement ever that changed the world.  You can still sign up for the dinner and movie at EBC from 6:00-9:00, by contacting the office, no later than Thursday at noon.  Dinner will be catered by Fratellos.  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian