In a world full of conflicting advice, Jesus eagerly points us in wise directions. Not only are we blessed by hearing His guidance but by obeying His counsel.
Isaiah’s Prophecy
- Our hearts gravitate towards neglecting Christ while we celebrate Christmas.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and the answer for current unrest.
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 (Isaiah 9:6).
- This prophecy answers four of society’s critical questions:
- Can I trust Jesus’ teaching?
- Is Jesus really God?
- Does Jesus even care for me?
- Is Jesus able to make peace out of this mess?
Jesus’ Teaching
Luke 6:46-49
46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
- As the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus offers incomparable guidance.
- Referring to Jesus as Lord is not the same as obeying Him as Lord (6:46).
- All encounter storms, but only some of us make it through them (6:47-49).
- The difference between a home’s preservation and its devastation is not the amount of information but the degree of application (6:47-49).
Our Application
- Are you unable to follow Jesus’ counsel because you invite opposing advisers?
- Is your life in disarray because you don’t know Jesus’ will or because you have refused to follow it?
- Is there something in Jesus’ past that makes you think He can’t navigate your future?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.