The Names of Jesus - Elmer Towns

functions of this One called alongside to help is to encourage the discouraged and comfort the
sorrowing.
Fourthly, the counsel of Christ is confidential. This is implied by the Greek word
sumboulos, used by the LXX translators and New Testament writers (Proverbs 24:6; Isaiah 9:6;
Romans 11:34). The term literally means “a confidential advisor.” When we seek counsel from
the Lord concerning an opportunity or problem, the resulting counsel is confidential, and we do
not have to worry about later hearing the subject by the grapevine.
Finally, the counsel of the Lord is corporate. In counseling the Laodicean church to
anoint their eyes and improve their vision, Jesus used the Greek verb sumbouleuo, meaning “to
give advice jointly.” The Father as the God of all comfort and the Holy Spirit as the Comforter
are the other advisors of the believer. David also called the Scriptures his counselors, for they are
the instrument this Trinity of counselors uses to communicate the counsel of God.
The Discerning of His Counsel
How can we discern the counsel of Christ in our lives? Among the many principles of
Scripture for discerning the will of God, five stand out predominantly. First, the counsel of God
is revealed in the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16,17). Secondly, this counsel often comes through
prayer (Judges 20:18,23; I Samuel 14:37). Third, we discern it from the help of wise counselors
(Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 24:6). Fourth, we recognize it through circumstances. Eliezer was aware
of the Lord's leading in his life, and circumstances confirmed this to be so (Genesis 15:2; 24:27).
Finally, the Holy Spirit reaffirms it. Paul sought to go several places to preach the gospel which
were not where God wanted him to go. Because he was sensitive to the leading of the Spirit, he
could discern closed doors and had a deep assurance he was doing what God wanted him to do
when the doors finally opened (Acts 16:6-10).
THE MIGHTY GOD
Isaiah also called Jesus El Gibbon, “the Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6). Although He “emptied
himself” (“made Himself of no reputation”-KJV) to become a man (Philippians 2:7), Jesus never
abandoned His divine attributes. Is it not paradoxical that the Mighty God should clothe Himself
as a newborn child? If there is any question about Isaiah's view of this coming child, clearly here
he indicates He is God incarnate.
Scripture used the Hebrew word gibbon, translated “mighty,” not only of God but also of
the “mighty men” who were soldiers of Israel distinguished in battle. It conveys the idea of
exceptional physical strength and prowess. When used of God in the Old Testament, it expressed
the assurance that God would defend Israel from her enemies (Psalms 24:8; 45:3). It emphasizes
the relative attribute of omnipotence and suggests God will use that power on behalf of His
people.
THE EVERLASTING FATHER
Jesus is also called “the Everlasting Father,” or more literally, “Father of Eternity.” This
is the most emphatic assertion of His deity offered by the prophet Isaiah. This title of Christ has