OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Narrative of the present Israel-Iran war. Narrative of the condition of the American church and what we must do. Discerning the times, knowing what to do and then taking action!
INTRODUCTION: We live in a time of uncertainty—wars, disasters, moral decay, and trials seem to be on all sides. Living in unpredictable times where change seems constant, and uncertainties might weigh on our spirit.
However, as believers, God has equipped us with the wisdom and strength to live faithfully in every season, trusting Him.
The Bible often highlights individuals and groups who exhibit extraordinary wisdom and insight, providing a model for us to follow. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the men of Issachar stand out because they "understood the times" and "knew what Israel should do." At a time when the nation was grappling with change and uncertainty, they provided clarity and leadership.
For us, "living in the times" means navigating an ever-changing world that presents us with countless challenges and opportunities. From cultural shifts to technological advancements, from economic struggles to spiritual questions — our ability to understand the times and discern God’s will is more critical than ever.
THE CONTEXT: This chapter is part of a larger narrative in 1 Chronicles that recounts how various tribes of Israel rallied to support David at Hebron. Saul, Israel’s first king, had died, and the nation was in a state of political uncertainty. Some tribes still supported Saul’s house, while others recognized that God had chosen David to lead.
Two hundred chiefs from the tribe of Issachar, with all their kinsmen, went to form part of the army that protected David and crowned him. These men are referred to as the Sons of Issachar or the Children of Issachar, and many of them also became active followers of David and were recognized as some of his mighty men.
The tribe of Issachar wasn’t the largest or most militarily powerful, but they were known for their wisdom and discernment. The phrase “understood the times” likely refers to their ability to read the political and spiritual climate and make decisions aligned with God’s purposes. Their decision to support David showed not only political savvy but spiritual alignment with God’s anointed. They weren’t just reacting—they were discerning.
The Chronicler—writing during or after the Babylonian exile—was reflecting on Israel’s past to encourage spiritual renewal and national identity. His focus was on the Davidic covenant and the temple, both central to Israel’s hope and worship.
OUR MODERN PARALLEL: In our age, we are bombarded with information, facing complex social, political, and spiritual challenges. Like the sons of Issachar, we must cultivate the ability to read the signs of the times—not merely to understand the world around us but to comprehend God's calling on His people in the midst of these circumstances.
HOW TO LIVE IN THESE TIMES?
So, what is the anointing of the Sons of Issachar (or just the Issachar Anointing, in short), what are they referring to, and what does it mean for today’s church?
1. UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES
One aspect that stands out is that the Bible says the Sons of Issachar had an “understanding of the times.” They looked at the circumstances in Israel and noticed a few things:
• Saul was no longer serving God and was leading God’s people in the wrong direction.
• Saul’s rule was coming to an end in a destruction that he brought upon himself through disobedience.
• Saul’s line was ended; his son would not sit on the throne of Israel.
• This would create a power vacuum that many might try to fill.
• David was the logical choice to be the next king, as the prophet anointed him, and God was clearly with him, as demonstrated through his tremendous victories, like his conquest of Jebus (Jerusalem).
The sons of Issachar were not just wise—they were discerning. They read the political, social, and spiritual climate of their day. Saul’s reign was ending, David’s anointing was rising, and Israel stood at a crossroads. Today, we need believers who don’t just consume headlines but interpret them through the lens of God’s Word.
Understanding the times means recognizing the spiritual battles behind cultural shifts and knowing when to speak, when to act, and when to pray.
The sons of Issachar didn’t just observe events—they interpreted them through God’s lens. In our world of nonstop news and shifting values, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled. Ask God for wisdom to see beyond the surface and understand what’s really going on spiritually, culturally, and morally. Their insight didn’t come from instinct alone—it was grounded in God’s truth. Regular time in Scripture sharpens your ability to discern what aligns with God’s heart and what doesn’t. It’s how you train your spiritual senses to recognize the times.
The sons of Issachar had a God-given ability to see beyond the surface and discern the deeper implications of what was happening.
REFLECTION:
• In our own lives, we often face seasons of uncertainty, cultural change, or personal crossroads. The example of Issachar invites us to pause and ask: Am I discerning the times I’m living in? Am I seeking God’s wisdom for how to respond?
• Am I looking at events through the lens of God’s Word, or am I being swayed by emotion, fear, culture or mob media?
Understanding the times doesn’t mean being glued to headlines or swayed by trends. It means being anchored in God’s Word, attentive to His Spirit, and courageous enough to act when others hesitate. May we be like the sons of Issachar—people of insight, people of action, people who walk in step with God’s purposes.
2. TO KNOW WHAT TO DO
Discernment isn’t enough on its own; it must lead to action. Discernment without direction is like a compass without a map. The sons of Issachar didn’t just understand the times—they knew what Israel ought to do. They aligned themselves with David, God’s chosen king, even before his throne was secure. The men of Issachar had the wisdom to "know what Israel ought to do." They didn’t just understand the times — they acted on that understanding by leading their people in the right direction.
Our understanding of the times should inspire us to respond in ways that align with God’s heart. While the challenges we face today may vary — from navigating personal decisions to addressing societal or spiritual issues — the underlying need for godly action is the same.
We must pray for God to show us the way forward in this time and season. Having the Issachar anointing means that God will reveal how we should respond. It doesn’t mean climbing on social media and arguing or condemning the deceived, but it does mean proceeding in the way Jesus told us from the beginning – building the Kingdom.
In our time, knowing what to do means aligning ourselves with the purposes of God, even when it’s unpopular. It means standing for truth, extending grace, and being led by the Spirit rather than the crowd. The wisdom of Issachar went beyond mere knowledge. It was practical and action-oriented. They knew the appropriate actions that Israel should take in response to their circumstances.
REFLECTION:
• How well do you understand the times you are living in? Are you aware of both the challenges and opportunities your generation faces?
• As believers, we are called not just to recognize the condition of our culture but to respond in a way that reflects God’s character and purposes.
• This might mean speaking out for what is right, showing compassion to those in need, or offering guidance to those who are lost. Like the men of Issachar, we are called to be doers of the Word (James 1:22), bringing God’s light into every situation.
• In light of what I see in the times I am living in, how is God calling me to act?
3. TO TAKE ACTION
The Sons of Issachar didn’t stop when they knew what to do; they also took action. They did not hesitate to join the forces of Israel and establish David as the new king, and even after that, they fought to help David keep his throne. They were loyal to the very end, despite their king’s failures and mistakes, even when some of them died in battle.
From the house of David, we worship the King of Kings, and He is coming again to establish His final rule over the earth and to destroy all the evil that seems to be flooding the world right now with no hope in sight.
More than ever, we are to take action to preach the gospel and demonstrate God’s power. We should become the mighty men (and women) of Christ who don’t hesitate to show bravery and valor in the face of the enemy so that the Kingdom of our God can come in all its power and glory.
Notice how the men of Issachar don’t operate in isolation. Their wisdom didn’t stem from human intellect, but from a deep dependence on God. True understanding of the times and the ability to act come from aligning ourselves with God’s will.
In today’s world, it can be tempting to rely on our own strength. Headlines demand instant reactions, and society seems to demand instant solutions. But as believers, we are called to move at God’s pace. Living in the times is not just about knowing or doing, but also about trusting God in all things.
This week, take some time in prayer and reflection to consider the “times” in which you live. Write down any pressing cultural or personal challenges you observe. Then, ask God for wisdom and direction. How might He be calling you to respond to what you see?
REFLECTION: Modern believers know who the King is. What are you doing about it?
APPLICATION: ISSACHAR ANOINTING requires three things:
• UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES:
Having an understanding requires knowledge of the world around us and wisdom to discern what is truly happening behind the scenes. Both are gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) and something every believer should pursue.
• TO KNOW WHAT TO DO:
It’s easy for us to feel hopeless in the face of our circumstances, but we know that the Holy Spirit is with us to guide us in all truth (John 16:13).
• TO TAKE ACTION:
James 1 tells us to be active doers of the Word. When we receive guidance from the Holy Spirit, it would be a sin not to act on it. That’s what disobedience is.
Does that mean we should wait for guidance? No. We already have firm instruction from Jesus, and we don’t need a leading from the Holy Spirit for that: Matthew 28. We are to go into the world and preach the gospel of the Kingdom, making disciples.
The anointing and example of the Sons of Issachar are becoming increasingly crucial for the church as we approach the times. Remember that true understanding and wisdom come from God. Rest in His sovereignty as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your time.
These men weren’t the largest tribe, nor the most famous. But they had something rare: spiritual discernment and practical wisdom. They recognized that David was God’s chosen leader and aligned themselves accordingly. They didn’t follow the crowd—they followed the call.
Today, we need the Issachar anointing in our homes, churches, and communities. People who seek God’s perspective before reacting. People who ask not just “What’s going on?” but “Lord, what would You have us do?” Let’s be those people. Let’s pursue to have the Issachar anointing.
