1 Chronicles 12:22,32: “For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God . . . of the children of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren were at their command;”

August 31st, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

These men of Issachar were wise because they had an “understanding of the times;” they understood the importance of the days they were living in. And based on that understanding, they joined David rather than remain with King Saul. These wise people accepted the headship of God’s appointed king. Two hundred is a small number of men who are knowledgeable politically, nationally, and spiritually. Thousands came forward from every tribe except Issachar, because Issachar understood the spiritual forces at work behind the scenes.

This is a lesson for those of us living in the 21st century. We should also be a people of God who understand the times. We live in a world that is caught up in confusion. Many do not know what is coming, or what to do when it does come. It has been said that 85% of the people in the world don’t understand where their nation or their world is going. Perhaps 10% know and understand but are sitting on the sidelines, doing nothing to influence or help others prepare for what is coming. That leaves only 5% who understand and are actively involved in making a difference in other people’s lives. We in the body of Christ need to be like the men of Issachar, being both influential and useful because we have taken time to understand and know what ought to be done. In a world that is confused, fearful, frustrated, and blind, our God wants us to be useful in leading others to His throne of grace.

“LORD, give us understanding of these last days and use us to lead others to You.”