December 13: THE WONDERFUL COUNSELOR’S RADIANT LIGHT

If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will [allow] none of the diseases on you which I have [allowed] on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you. Exodus 15:26

During a violent snowstorm, a man opened his barn doors widely and motioned some harrowed birds toward safety. He soon realized that his motions seemed only to frighten them farther away. He thought to himself, “Oh! If only I could be a bird, I would show them that coming into the barn is for their protection!”

Too often we scoff at the counsel of God, refusing to come out of the storm and into the barn. His protection over us can also be compared to an umbrella. There are numerous if… then statements in God’s divine Instruction Book, showing us the conditional nature of many of His promises. How many of us deliberately step out from under His protection and open ourselves up to Satan’s snares?

The Egyptians had made a show of rejecting God and His Word, making the name Egypt synonymous with atheism in prophecy (i.e., Revelation 11:8). God’s tender care for us includes all aspects of our being. There are many who create an artificial divide between physical and spiritual health as if God cares only for our spiritual health. Satan has accomplished his most effective deceptions by leading people onto paths that weaken bodies and minds. Also, he portrays God as a tyrant (with the vindictive, capricious character of the Roman and Greek gods), frightening many away. Let each of us, in gentleness, share the protections and the promises of God with those who are terrified of Him. Pray for paralyzing fear (terror) to be replaced by liberating fear (reverence and honor).

The opening story is often told of the man because of his momentous transformation from atheism to trust in God. The man’s tender concern for the birds during the horrific snowstorm was hidden by the fact that he was frightening them. But his only intention was their safety and protection. Oh!... to be a bird! And suddenly there came a quickening that closed the long-standing gap between him and the Lord. The man fell on his knees in the snow and, with a heart full of gratitude, thanked the God of Heaven for sending His Son into this world.

An attitude of thankfulness towards God is a great starting point for everyone who is wearied by the fallenness of our world. Jesus came (the first time) so gently and meekly—as a little Baby—and He spent His life showing us the true character of His Father. When He comes again, it will be in the fullness of His majesty, glory, and power. This beautiful sight, the brightness of His coming will destroy the unprepared (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:28

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined… And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2,6b