MEMORY VERSE: “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. “ 1 Chronicles 12:32″.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 2:20-23.
INTRODUCTION
Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, and the ninth son overall for the patriarch Genesis 30:18; 35:23. He had four sons Genesis 46:13, and went with his father into Egypt, where he died and was buried. Afterward, his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. By the end of the wanderings of Israel through the Sinai desert, they were numbered 64,300 fighting men Numbers 26:23-25. But what is most noticeable thing about them is that at the time of David, they had increased to nearly 90,000 in number, and they were known supremely for their wisdom. They understood the “signs of the times” and how best to live considering the circumstances surrounding
them 1 Chronicles 7:1-5; 12:32.
OUTLINES
- UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS
- KNOWING WHAT TO DO
- UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS
The Bible tells us that there are various times and seasons Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Times and seasons are in God’s hands and can change as God wills Daniel 2:21a. To navigate times and seasons, God gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding Daniel 2:21c. He reveals the deep and secret things to His children when they seek Him Deuteronomy 29:29; Daniel 2:22. The Men of Issachar understood the times and always knew what Israel ought to do in every circumstance. It takes a maturing believer to discern the times Hebrews 5:12-14.
“ Understanding the times” also refers to having insight and discernment about the current circumstances, trends, and seasons in which we live Romans 13:11. It involves being aware of the cultural, political, social, and spiritual climate we are in and knowing what to do Daniel 2:27-28 and recognising opportunities and challenges of the times 11 Timothy 4:1-3.
2. KNOWING WHAT TO DO
The men of Issachar did not only understand the signs of the times but knew how to live in the light of them. To know what to do is to be strategic, vision-driven, and full of ideas and skills. Also, it is the ability to:
- Make informed decisions: Go back to school (get an NVQ, degree, masters, PhD, or relevant professional qualifications), learn a trade, or acquire a skill, or what area to diversify into Genesis 26:1-3.
- Respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities Genesis 26:12-22; Matthew 2:13-14; John 2:3-5.
- Live wisely and authentically: a life of purpose, consequence, impact, and influence for the cause of Christ, Genesis 39:7-9; 1 Peter 3:10-11.
- Engage in kingdom activities Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 6:33.
- Fulfil your purpose and calling daily, John 18:37.
CONCLUSION
The Men of Issachar were recognised for their ability to correctly interpret the political and spiritual climate of their time and provide guidance on how to navigate it. They were sought out for their counsel and played an important role in the leadership of Israel. You can be like them.
FURTHER READING
Sun: Genesis 1:14.
Mon: Psalm 62:8.
Tues: Isaiah 33:6.
Wed: Psalm 34:1
Thurs: Matthew 16:3.
Fri: Acts 14:15-17.
Sat: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.