Text: 1 Chronicles 12:32, Proverbs 2:6, Ephesians 5:15–17, Matthew 16:1-4, Ecclesiastes 3:1–8,
1. Understanding the Times:
The men of Issachar stood out among their brethren because they possessed a deep understanding of the times in which they lived. They were not passive observers but actively sought discernment from the Lord. In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it is crucial for us to cultivate a similar spirit of discernment. We must be aware of the cultural, social, and spiritual climate around us and how it impacts our lives and the lives of those around us.
2. Seeking Wisdom from God:
The wisdom of the men of Issachar did not come from human intellect alone. They sought divine insight and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that “the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Just as the men of Issachar sought wisdom from God, we too must seek His guidance through prayer, studying His Word, and cultivating a close relationship with Him. It is in this intimacy with God that we gain the discernment needed to navigate the complexities of our times.
3. Responding to the Call:
The men of Issachar did not merely possess knowledge; they knew what Israel should do. They recognized their responsibility to act upon the understanding they had received. As believers, we are called to be doers of the Word (James 1:22). Discerning the times is not an end in itself; it should propel us to respond faithfully and obediently to God’s calling. We are to be salt and light in the world, actively engaging with compassion and love, and bringing the message of hope found in Christ to those around us.
4. Gate keepers:
1 Chronicles 9:22, Isaiah 62:6,