“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 (KJV)
Understanding the times and knowing what to do. That is the issue. All the rules seemed to have changed. How is it possible for the cutting-edge leader to become out-of-date so easily and so quickly? What’s a sincere, conscientious leader to do? On the one hand, we can just keep on doing what we have always done with a stronger vigor and activity. Yet on the other hand, we can upgrade our understanding of how a changing culture and society affects leadership. Leaders set the pace for how to live timeless truths and values in a changing world.
Throughout human history, leaders have confronted this dilemma. During the period between Israel’s King Saul losing God’s anointing and the transition to King David, much civil unrest ripped through their kingdom. Lines of allegiance were drawn between these two leaders: God’s anointed for yesterday and God’s anointed for the present. It was difficult for most of God’s people to make a choice. Now, there was in Israel an obscure family known as the men of Issachar (1 Chron. 12:32). We are told this tribe was led by 200 leaders “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” These leaders made a difference in Israel because they recognized the moving of God and knew what to do.
Although the society and culture are different; although the circumstances are different; although the names of leaders are different a similar shift is taking place. The twentieth century is gone, gone, gone. And those days are not coming back. The twenty-first century is here up close and in your face. Some of us remain in the valley of decision, while others already know what we should do. Will we go with God or let him go on without us? The difficulty comes in recognizing what God has released and discerning what God is doing today. Like those tribal leaders of Issachar, we must let go of the past and God will tell us what we should do today.
Dear Father, thank you for the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Empower us to understand our times and know what we ought to do. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as the Holy Spirit guides you,