wonderful counselor
"For to us a child is born . . .
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor . . ." ~ Isaiah 9.6
At the front of who this coming Messiah is remains a Wonderful Counselor. When we hear this phrase our initial reaction is to reduce it to a good psychologist. He is someone we can go to who would give us good advice. However true this may be, this severely understates the full scope of Jesus Christ. When Isaiah speaks of something being “wonderful” it is not as we understand it now, but more so as something that is full of wonder. It is incomprehensible and unfathomable. The counsel that Christ brings defies the expectations of mankind and exceeds our humanly ability to understand. Furthermore, Christ goes beyond merely being a counselor as we understand that term, but he is the one who derives the plan. The counsel that Jesus brings is the plan for our salvation. (Daniel Burton, Logos University; t.ly/ExsiB)
Prayer
Jesus, you are more awesome than my imagination can fathom and more wonderful than my mind can absorb. Your plans for me are more wonderful and more perfect than I can comprehend. Lord, help me to follow your steps; trust where you lead; be content where you have me. Help me to find joy in this moment of knowing that you are my Wonderful Counselor. Amen.
Isaiah (fresco)
by Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy)
Michelangelo’s Isaiah is one of the iconic prophets from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Known during his lifetime as the Divine One, Michelangelo Buonarroti, was a High Renaissance Italian artist whose career spanned 70 years.
Michelangelo’s fresco measures over 12 feet tall, and 12 feet wide. Isaiah is one of 7 Old Testament prophets that circle the ceiling in the great chapel.
Michelangelo’s Isaiah exudes both strength and elegance with a demanding presence. His envisioning of the great prophet is one of a prematurely grey, contemplative man. The poet’s face paired with the strong muscular body gives us an image of both restless energy and quiet strength.
Traditionally, in Christian art, Isaiah is pictured as an old man with a flowing beard and long grey hair. Often a book or scroll is included with the text that tells of the virgin giving birth to a son.
Michelangelo’s Isaiah differs from these expected portrayals. His prophet is relatively young, beardless, and only has his book of prophecy with him.
(adapted from article by Kelly Bagdanov t.ly/T8Xij)
Isaiah (fresco)
by Michelangelo (Sistine Chapel, Rome, Italy)
Michelangelo’s Isaiah is one of the iconic prophets from the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Known during his lifetime as the Divine One, Michelangelo Buonarroti, was a High Renaissance Italian artist whose career spanned 70 years.
Michelangelo’s fresco measures over 12 feet tall, and 12 feet wide. Isaiah is one of 7 Old Testament prophets that circle the ceiling in the great chapel.
Michelangelo’s Isaiah exudes both strength and elegance with a demanding presence. His envisioning of the great prophet is one of a prematurely grey, contemplative man. The poet’s face paired with the strong muscular body gives us an image of both restless energy and quiet strength.
Traditionally, in Christian art, Isaiah is pictured as an old man with a flowing beard and long grey hair. Often a book or scroll is included with the text that tells of the virgin giving birth to a son.
Michelangelo’s Isaiah differs from these expected portrayals. His prophet is relatively young, beardless, and only has his book of prophecy with him.
(adapted from article by Kelly Bagdanov t.ly/T8Xij)
Playlist Daily Highlight
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song. Reflect on them. Let God’s spirit speak to you in this moment.
