“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots:
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might…”
Isaiah 11:1-2
“I know you probably won’t need this but for your protection let’s add this clause. When dealing with money you never know what might happen.”
The lawyer knew people. He had been in his career for several years and seen how money, even a small amount, can influence other’s thoughts. It has a way of bringing out what is in the heart. Me, on the other hand, wanted to believe the best in people. In legal matters I needed help. I needed good counsel.
We all find ourselves in places where we need the help of a good counselor. It may not be legal matters, but in relationships gone bad, health needs, a direction in life, mental or spiritual needs. God gives us this help in others but they are not our only means of help. He has given us one who never gives us wrong counsel. He comes to us at the request of Jesus Christ.
“And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever.”
John 14:16.
The NASB translates Comforter as Helper. The name corresponds to the Hebrew word Counselor given to the Messiah.(taken from Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Which translation you choose depends on your need at the time. Jesus is the branch of Jesse the Spirit of the Lord rested upon, who embodied the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might. When Jesus ascended God the Father sent Christ’s followers the same Spirit to indwell and fill us.
He is the Comforter, Counselor, Helper. We can trust his counsel for He always points us to the Father.
“But when the Comforter is come,
whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,
he shall testify of me…
Howbeit when the Spirit of truth , is come,
he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear,
that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me:
for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”
John 15:26; John 16:13,14
It’s a rare occurrence to audibly hear the voice of God. Consider when Jesus came into this world, the Father spoke audibly to him only three times. The risen Christ spoke to Saul and once to Peter. He speaks to us through the word and testimony of Christ. We know this word is true for He has given us the witness of the Holy Spirit of truth to verify his word to us.
If the guidance we receive doesn’t agree with God’s word or testify to the truth of Jesus Christ the Son of God, the guidance is not from the Holy Spirit. For all He speaks to our spirit will –
- Testify of Jesus Christ;
- guide you into all truth;
- speak the word of God and glorify God.
When in need of help Christ paved the way for us to find it and has given us the Holy Spirit to witness the truth to us.
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
I knew the lawyer had my best interest at heart even if I wasn’t fully convinced. His advice proved invaluable. The Holy Spirit is our perfect counselor for any need. His word is truth and comes straight from God – for He is God the Holy Spirit.
Meeting Jesus With Donna Stearns 