Understanding The Times

 "Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times,
to know what Israel ought to do"
(I Chronicles 12:32).


I overheard a conversation that a couple had over breakfast the other day.  The man was thumbing through the newspaper and grumbling the headlines out loud.  I guess it wasn't really a conversation, it was more a monologue as he read an inventory of all that is going on in the world.  He ended by folding the paper and saying, "What's going on?"

In the list of those who came to David when he first reigned as King in Hebron were some men from the tribe of Issachar who had an understanding of the times.  How valuable those men must have been for David in such a key season in the life of Israel.

 My prayer is that our church will be filled with men and women who are like those sons of Issachar.  Saints who can discern God's hand in the events of the day and have understanding in these crucial times.

This understanding and discernment doesn't just happen, it comes from an intimate  relationship with our God.  It is forged in our time alone with God, being immersed in His Word, listening for His voice.  It takes time and discipline, E.M. Bounds says, "God's acquaintance is not made by pop calls.  God does not bestow His gifts on the casual or hasty comers and goers."  Our insight grows as we spend more time with the Lord.

More and more people are going to be asking, "What's going on?"  In this season more than any other, we need to sit at the Lord's feet and hear His voice that we may discern and proclaim clearly His working in preparation for Jesus' return.