Sons of Issachar:

Becoming Men of Understanding and Influence in the Community

As Christ-centered, Bible-based, 21st century “Sons of Issachar,” men carry the power to exert catalytic
influence in their respective communities. Here are three ways men can change the world.

By Samuel Rodriguez

Our faith is not like any other faith. Our faith is transparent, transcendent, and transformational. Our faith
teaches us to cross over obstacles, shout down walls, break through crowds, and walk on water — even in
the midst of storms.

Our faith enables us to survive the fires of life, overcome den of lions, shake off serpents, and move
mountains. Our faith empowers us to see the invisible, embrace the impossible, and hope for the
incredible.

Corresponding faith enables us to distinguish between the pathetic and the prophetic. For we recognize
that we live in difficult times — times darkened moral relativism, spiritual apathy, cultural decadence,
and ecclesiastical complacency. Yet our current spiritual socio-cultural malaise stands exacerbated as a
result of a lack: the lack of Christian men exerting influence.

Throughout American history, Christian men confronted challenging moments with righteous courage,
virtuous heroism, anointed leadership, and prophetic activism. From pastors who preached against
tyranny during the Revolutionary War to Christian abolitionist leaders of the 19th century, Christ-serving
men changed our nation. Today, the lack of Christian male leadership in our culture and in the public
square speeds this generation’s unprecedented moral and spiritual decline.

Yet in the midst of a pathetic reality lies a clarion call for the engagement of a demographic within the
Church: Christian men, with the potential of providing a prophetic antidote to our precarious
surroundings. The Church and nation desperately need the engagement, empowerment, and emergence of
America’s Christian fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons as the “Sons of Issachar.”

5 Cultural Challenges Men Need to Address

1. DEATH AND VIOLENCE
Christian men must address a culture that often disregards life — in and out of the womb. We must
provide a biblical alternative to a culture that celebrates violence by serving as mentors to fatherless
children, providing space for conflict resolution, and facilitating a constant ministry of reconciliation.

2. IMAGO DEI (IMAGE OF GOD)

We must recognize that all humans are created in the image of God, which serves as the foundational
framework for engaging a culture that suffers from spiritual and cultural myopia.

3. ADVANCE LIFE
Encourage adoption, and advocate for sanctity of life principles for the unborn and others.

4. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Guard the liberties our founding fathers recognized, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

5. PROTECT MARRIAGE
Defend this God-ordained, sacred institution against internal and external adversarial forces, including
pornography, adultery, divorce, and judicial/legislative redefinitions.

Samuel Rodriguez

“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men
understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take” (1 Chronicles 12:32, NLT).1

Issachar’s tribe lived surrounded by paganism, idolatry, unrighteousness, consternation, angst, and flux.
Yet the men of this tribe understood the times and subsequently proceeded to provide direction for Israel
through influential leadership.

Accordingly, as Christ-centered, Bible-based, 21st century “Sons of Issachar,” we carry the power to
exert catalytic influence in our respective communities. We can initiate change by reconciling the vertical
and horizontal planes of the Christian message, renewing a Spirit-empowered ethos, repudiating
complacency, and redeeming the narrative of prophetic activism.

RECONCILE THE VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL

The men from Issachar’s tribe understood the times and led according to that understanding. Today,
Christian men are poised to influence family, community, church, and culture when we understand the
holistic message of the Cross.

No other symbol incorporates passion and promise like the cross. A simple symbol depicting two pieces
of wood, one vertical and the other horizontal, successfully branded the eternal hope of glory to all
mankind.

In Genesis 22:7, Isaac asked Abraham, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” John the Baptist
answered in John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

The sinless Lamb of God provided the means for human redemption by bearing sin’s curse on the cross.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is
everyone who is hung on a pole’” (Galatians 3:13).

Madison Avenue and billion dollar ad campaigns could not conjure up the loyalty, commitment, and
multigenerational allegiance to a message the humble cross inspires. You won’t find the message of the
cross written on the wood. Rather, Christ’s sacrifice communicates this amazing message: love, grace,
and eternal life.

That universal Christian symbol powerfully and with unbridled persuasion not only conveys a message of
what is to come, it also reminds us what life truly is: a cross. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my
disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

The Cross, like life, is both vertical and horizontal. Vertically, we connect to God, His kingdom, eternal
life, spiritual truths, divine principles, and glory. Horizontally, to our left and right, we live in community
and function in the context of relationships, family, culture, and society.

Simply stated, the Cross is both vertical and horizontal, redemption and relationship, holiness and
humility, covenant and community, Kingdom and society, righteousness and justice, salvation and
transformation.

For too long, men have lived either vertically or horizontally, but few have succeeded in living, speaking,
equipping, leading, and ministering from where the vertical and horizontal planes of the Cross intersect
— the nexus of Christianity.
Markedly, this is the place where conviction marries compassion and truth joins hands with mercy. The
nexus represents the location where men reconcile the prophetic with the practical and faith with action.

The Sons of Issachar must remain committed to both the vertical and horizontal. Yet how do men
reconcile these two planes? We embrace our biblical mandate to provide leadership in our homes,
community, and spheres of influence. Our reconciliatory activities require the acceptance of a simple
truth: God changes us so we can change the world.

AG Profile
No Man Left Behind

An Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, Pastor Mike Modica believes no one should have
to face life’s battles alone.

The motto for his church’s men’s group is: “No man left behind.” Guys who attend the weekly men’s
services receive a military-style dog tag with this inscription.

“I would take these guys to any firefight in the world,” says Modica, senior pastor and men’s ministries
director at First Assembly of God in DeLand, Fla. “We’re all brothers. It’s just a great thing, what we
have.” Modica says this army of men is the backbone of his church.

“When you get a dad in church and serving the Lord, there is a 75 percent chance of reaching his entire
family,” Modica says. “We want to hold men accountable to their calling: to love God, love their wives,
and love their children.”

The group meets every Thursday, with attendance ranging from 50 to 160. When the Florida weather is
mild, the guys gather around an outdoor fire pit with cups of gourmet coffee. Each man introduces
himself and then either offers a simple prayer or shares a need, struggle, temptation, or prayer request.
Modica says this routine creates an atmosphere of bonding, brotherhood, and open communication.

“Building a fire and being outdoors with a beautiful view adds something,” Modica says. “It’s a great
place for men to be accountable, share their needs, and bring their friends. The Holy Spirit really moves
during these times. If someone is struggling, we’re able to take the time to pray and help that person.
Sometimes we have salvations from guys just visiting.”
Though he juggles a multitude of responsibilities as senior pastor of a large congregation, Modica makes
himself readily available to every man in the group. He passes out his personal cell phone number and
invites the guys to call him any time. He prepares a daily devotion called Morning Munitions and delivers
it, via text, to the men and others in the church and community. And he personally leads the weekly
men’s meeting.

“They have access to me 24/7, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Modica says. “How can I send my
men out to battle without me being with them?”

The military motif is more than just a metaphor. The men’s group represents an army of volunteers.
Specially trained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Convoy of Hope, the
group mobilizes and springs into action following hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and other natural
disasters in the region.

“Men want to have a mission and be able to serve their community,” Modica says. “We bring them in and
give them a place. Then we give them a purpose.”

Christina Quick, freelance writer, Springfield, Missouri

In addition to living a life of integrity and providing both spiritual and physical nourishment for our
families, male Christ followers must make cultural reformation a priority. We will accomplish this
corresponding goal when, on a daily basis, we seek to address a need in our community, whether it is
feeding the hungry, welcoming a stranger, ending human trafficking, promoting racial reconciliation,
mentoring fatherless children, or bringing good news to the poor.

For example, if praying, fasting, worshipping, and sharing the gospel represents the vertical then
defending life, protecting marriage, voting biblical values, confronting injustice, warning against
pornography, rebuking racism, mentoring the fatherless, and serving the least of these represents the
horizontal. Additionally, as vertical and horizontal high priests and worshippers, we receive God’s
anointing and instruction on Sunday so we can change the world for the glory of Christ Monday through
Saturday.

We need men dedicated to prayerful deliberation and prophetic activism, addressing sin and confronting
injustice, protecting life and alleviating poverty, reaching the sinner and reforming the culture. It’s not
either/or; it’s both/and. It’s righteousness and justice.

Church and society will be best served when Christ-following men reconcile Billy Graham’s message of
salvation through Christ with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s march for justice. As Sons of Issachar, we can
and will exert maximum influence when we lift holy hands in conviction and stretch out helping hands
with compassion.

RENEW A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED ETHOS

Issachar’s men understood the times and led with prophetic courage — not as a result of happenstance but
as a consequence of spiritual empowerment. Similarly, the sons of today’s Christ-following tribe can
influence our communities and provide prophetic leadership by renewing Spirit-empowered living.

For this reason, application of Holy Spirit-guided lenses will enable us to discern and understand our
times. Thus via the conduit of biblical allusions we understand and acknowledge that real spirits exist in
communities throughout America today.

For example, a spirit of Pharaoh lives holding people captive in the Egypt of bondage and fear. A spirit of
Goliath persists in mocking and intimidating the children of God. A spirit of Jezebel still prompts men
and women to hide in caves through sexual perversion and manipulation. A spirit of Absalom continues
to divide homes, churches, and relationships. And a spirit of Herod tragically kills the young through
abortion, poverty, and sex trafficking murdering infant dreams and vision.

Yet, Sons of Issachar, let us be assured that there exists a Spirit more powerful than all these spirits
combined. Our tribe’s mandate is demonstrating that the most powerful spirit alive today is not a spirit of
Pharaoh, Saul, Absalom, Goliath, Jezebel, or Herod. Our generational call and commission require us to
articulate, with truth and love, that the most powerful Spirit on the planet is none other than the Holy
Spirit of Almighty God. “ ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty,”
(Zechariah 4:6).

At the same time, Spirit-empowered living enables us to exert influence in our communities by living a
life of freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17); holiness (1 Peter 1:16); comfort (John 14:16); and power (Acts 1:8).
We must remember that charisma without character is like driving a luxury car on reserve fuel. It can only
take you so far.

As Spirit-empowered men of understanding and influence, we live to offer a counter-narrative. Hence, to

every spirit that facilitates the platform of moral relativism, spiritual apathy, cultural decadence, and
lukewarm spirituality we construct the following alternative: For every Pharaoh there must be a Moses.
For every Goliath there must be a David. For every Nebuchadnezzar there must be a Daniel. For every
Jezebel there must be an Elijah. And for every devil or demon that rises up against us, there is a mightier
God that rises up for us.

REPUDIATE COMPLACENCY
There exists a fine line between the prophetic and the pathetic. A prophetic church recognizes the biggest
problem in America is not a pathetic moral relativism, cultural decadency, or spiritual decline. The
number one problem in America is the unfortunate posture of a lukewarm church.

In Old Testament days, Issachar’s men understood the times in which they lived and led with wisdom.
They repudiated apathy, understanding that today’s complacency is tomorrow’s captivity.

Arguably, the Church, once the most catalytic and influential institution in our respective communities,
stands guilty of not only complacency but of sacrificing biblical truth on the altar of political and cultural
expediency. To a great degree we have abandoned our truth-telling mantle and God-given purpose.

The voices of many Christian men today are silenced by a culture and society committed to marginalizing
faith, redefining family, and limiting freedom. Only the repudiation of complacency by Bible-believing
agents of change will build a firewall against the enemies of truth and grace.

The situation reminds me of a nature documentary I watched. A lion returning from a hunt was
ambushed, suffering seemingly mortal wounds. He had no strength — not even enough to raise his claws,
lift his head, or open his eyes.

At that moment, the cameras captured the images of a band of predators moving toward the lion’s
position. They didn’t come to finish off the injured animal but to kill his cubs. Though the wounded lion
could barely move, he used his last available resource: his roar. Immediately, all the enemies threatening
the lion’s offspring fled.

The film’s narrator said, “Why did the enemies of the lioness flee? They know very well that as long as
the lioness roars, they cannot take away what belongs to her.”

What about our generation of men? Will we be complacent, or will we roar? Today’s Sons of Issachar
must reconcile an understanding of our time with deliberate determination to repudiate complacency. We
cannot remain silent.

We must not permit the pathetic noise to silence the prophetic voice. Silence is not an option when 30
million of our brothers and sisters live in poverty. Silence is not an option when, in 2014 America, men
abandon their roles as fathers, our children are slaughtered, pornography marries technology, God is
mocked, pushers are more admired than preachers, school grounds look like battlegrounds, and our
neighbors sit paralyzed by the gate called Beautiful begging for change. It’s time to emerge as vertical
lambs and horizontal lions. It’s time to pray, but it’s also time to release a collective, faith-filled roar.
REDEEM THE NARRATIVE OF PROPHETIC ACTIVISM
In the Old Testament, the men of Issachar’s tribe knew what course to take and what actions to engage for
an effective outcome. Today’s Sons of Issachar must understand and embrace what I recently shared with
a group of men committed to transforming their communities in the name of Jesus.

First, there is no such thing as comfortable Christianity. Second, truth must never be sacrificed on the
altar of political expediency. Thirdly, we should measure Christianity by the constant of loving actions
rather than the variable of rhetorical eloquence.

As Christian men, our mandate includes redeeming the narrative of prophetic activism. In other words,
we, as men of righteousness, must live out the gospel on a daily basis not just through the words uttered
internally in our homes but even more by the actions taken externally in the world.

Meanwhile, as the enemies of truth and grace continue to project our values as archaic, intolerant, and
irrelevant, we are called to shine the light of Christ in a world darkened by agnosticism, eclectic
spirituality, and moral ambiguity. As men of God — as godly men — we can redeem the narrative by our
fruit and actions. We can show the world that Christianity is not primarily about what we oppose, and it’s
never about anything we desire to impose. Christianity is about what we propose: a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ.

Sons of Issachar, it’s our time to arise. This hour represents the greatest opportunity to redeem the
narrative of prophetic activism. A secular reporter, skeptical of Christianity, asked, “What do Christians
do, besides going to church on Sunday?”

We love.
We forgive.
We turn the other cheek.
We bless our enemies.
We walk in integrity.
We live abundantly.
We give food, water, and clothing to those in need.
We welcome strangers.
We preach in and out of season.
We worship in the Spirit and in truth.
We shine the light of Christ.
We do justice.
We love mercy.
We walk humbly before God.
We change the world!

Therefore, righteous warriors, rise up and make disciples. Rise up and fulfill the Great Commission. Rise
up and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Rise up and heal in His name. Rise up and deliver with His power.

Rise up and live out true religion, clothe the naked, and give shelter to the homeless. Rise up and defend
life, eradicate poverty, and speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Rise up and defend
religious liberty, end human trafficking, and welcome strangers.

As 21st century Sons of Issachar who understand the times and exert prophetic influence by reconciling
the vertical and horizontal, renewing a Spirit-empowered ethos, and repudiating complacency, what will
we accomplish? We will change the world!

The Issachar Anointing

"And of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do,
their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command."
- 1 Chronicles 12:32 NAS
Throughout the history of ancient Israel, the tribe of Issachar is portrayed as a family that was destined to
prosper both physically and spiritually. The ancient Rabbis taught that the sons of Issachar were not only
"mighty men of valor" (1 Chron. 7:1-5), but hey were also called to serve the other tribes in the areas of
finance and the ministry of God's Torah.
Financial Servanthood

Issachar's allotment of the Promised Land primarily consisted of the valley of Jezreel. This was the richest
farm land in all Israel, which also had access to the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, the sons of
Issachar "drew out the abundance of the sea and the hidden treasures of the sand" (Deut. 33:18-19).
In their abundance, God called them to provided food to the whole of Israel as an "indentured servant" to
their brethren among the other tribes (Gen. 19:14-15). The sons of Issachar would be similar to those
living in the "bread basket" of America who provide food to the U.S. and the world.
Spiritual Servanthood

Issachar's spiritual prosperity was also evident among Israel. They were one of six tribes to stand on
Mount Gerizim as part of the sacred blessing ceremony (Deut. 27:12). According to the Targum, they
"excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom, and were obedient to their command."
Their knowledge of God's word caused them to become the primary cultivators of Israel's spiritual
treasures, and their counsel and interpretations of Scripture were received as athoritative.
Understanding the Times

According to the Targum, the sons of Issachar were also biblical astronomers and astrologers who kept
track of the times and the seasons:
"and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in fixing the
beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skillful in
the changes of the moon, and in fixing the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skillful also in the
doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars, that they might show Israel what to do."
(Adam Clarke's Commentary, Biblesoft Electronic Database).
Their knowledge of the Torah and their understanding of the times made them keepers of the biblical
calendar. Consequently, they were the ones who made known the appointed times and seasons of when
Israel should observe the feasts of the Lord (Lev. 23). Since the Lord's Feasts reveal God's plan and
timing of His redemption in Messiah, I believe it is clear that the sons of Issachar had an anointing which
gave them a unique insight into God's timing of things past, present and future.
For example, during Israel's first civil war, when God was transferring the kingdom of Israel from Saul's
rulership over to David, eleven of the twelve tribes were divided amongst themselves as to whom they
would serve. Only the sons of Issachar, were united to the point that "all their kinsman" joined to fight
with David (1 Chron. 12:23-32).
The sons of Issachar were able to totally commit themselves to David, because they understood that it
was the time for God to fulfill His prophetic word given by Samuel 17 years earlier (1 Sam. 15:28). The
Lord granted them an anointing to understand the prophetic timing for when He would tear the kingdom
of Israel away from rebellious Saul and give it over to his servant David (1 Sam. 15:22-28).
With this anointing to understanding the times, they instinctively knew what to do, and they moved with
God to establish David's kingdom. In a sense, they were forerunners of a renewed kingdom that was built
on obedience to God instead of rebellion and sin. This brought them honor and prosperity according to
earlier prophecies given by both Jacob and Moses (Gen. 49:14-15; Deut. 33:18-19).
The End-Time Sons of Issachar

As we approach the end of the age and the difficult times associated with it, the New Covenant church
must become more and more like the sons of Issachar in its ability to understand the times and know what
to do. We must learn how to draw on God's prophetic word to guide us through the chaos of the last days
in preparation for His return (2 Pet. 1:19).
This suggests the need for a regular and on going Torah-based study of end-time Bible prophecy. The
responsible study of Bible prophecy, under a balanced prophetic mantle, produces mature believers who
are able to discern the times and respond to them in a Biblical fashion.
Therefore, we pray and believe that the Issachar anointing would be released upon the body of Messiah
worldwide that His people might understand the times and know what to do. Amen!

Become like the children of Issachar!

August 11, 2008
1 Chronicles 12:32 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.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending time with a pastor and his wife who've been in the ministry for
decades, and they shared with us some great wisdom. One of the words given was "be like the children of
Issachar." Of course, I had to ask what this meant. So he referred me to 1 Chronicles 12:32.

The children of Issachar were men who "understood the times, to know what Israel ought to do." The
Hebrew word for "understanding", "bee-nah", has a root which also means discernment, wisdom,
perception and knowledge.

We live in a day and and age in which discernment is a sorely needed gift in the body of Christ– and
praise God, it's a gift which is freely given by the Holy Spirit! [1 Corinthians 12:10]

Why? Because the enemy of our souls is cunning and subtle, and a major sign of the times is the
proliferation of "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of devils." [1 Timothy 4:1]

A.W. Tozer once stated, "The red corpuscles are like faith - they carry the life giving oxygen to every part
of the body. The white cells are like discernment - they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it
out to the drain. In a healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of
the life stream."

So how can we become like the children of Issachar? By building up our spiritual immune system! We
need to ask for and develop the spiritual gift of discernment, not falling into the trap of spiritual laziness
where we fail to discern truth from error, or to identify the enemy's spiritual toxins which could poison us.
Let's ask God for this important gift! Let's ask the Spirit of Truth to lead and guide us with discernment,
every step of the way so that we become like the children of Issachar -- able to understand the
times, ...and, to know what we ought to do!

Day 261 – The Sons Of Issachar

Posted on September 22, 2016
The Sons Of Issachar

After the death of King Saul, Ish-bosheth, his son, was made king by all but one tribe of Israel. Judah,
however, recognized David as their king and he set up his residence in Hebron. Even before the death of
King Saul, David had been anointed king by the prophet Samuel. David received a prophetic word for his
destiny as king over all Israel, was an anointed worshipper and the Holy Spirit worked through him, yet
he did not have the support of the government. For seven years, David reigned in Hebron, while Ish-
bosheth ruled in Jerusalem. Upon his death, all of Israel, tribe by tribe, person by person, had to decide
whether to follow the house of David or the house of Saul. I am sure this was not an easy time for the
nation as many had to let go of their former loyalties and allegiances to accept David as their king.

In I Chronicles, chapter 11, David enters Jerusalem and the tribes gather together to receive him as their
king. The leaders of each tribe, along with their mighty men, presented themselves, one by one, to David.
They said these words: “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and
peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” (12.18) As they came before the king, one tribe stands
out, and that was the tribe of Issachar. In chapter 12, verse 32, it says: “Of Issachar, men who had
understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their
command.”

This, fairly insignificant tribe, has much to teach us today. First, they understood the times. They had
prophetic insight into what God was doing and were ready to make the changes necessary to flow with
God’s purposes. In the time of the judges, it was Issachar that aligned with Deborah to fight against the
Canaanites. I am sure it was difficult to submit to the leadership of a woman, especially in the culture of
that day, yet it was the tribe of Issachar that recognized what God was doing through this mighty woman
of God. The Lord needs people today who will look beyond their reason, culture and their past to see His
intention and purpose.

The sons of Issachar were also noted as a people who knew what to do. They did not just know truth, but
had the wisdom to know how to apply truth for the benefit of the whole nation. This characteristic was so
needed in the establishment of David’s kingdom. These men would stand by David to help in the
consolidation of a wounded and divided nation. They recognized God’s choice and added their gifts and
callings to aid in the integration of the tribes under David’s authority.
Another noted quality of the sons of Issachar was that fact that they were united under their chiefs. The
Bible says that all Issachar’s kinsmen were under their command. (I Chron. 12.32) Being aligned under
authority brings sustained unity. It is easy to lead a people when all are listening to one voice. With a
prophetic vision and practical wisdom, this tribe was able to walk together as one and serve the king,
without dissension.

These sons of Issachar hold a special place in the history of Israel, and provide an example for all of us
throughout the ages. It is so necessary to understand the times, to know what to do and to be in unity
under God’s ordained authority.

Scriptures to meditate on:

I Chron. 12.32; Daniel 2.21-23; Judges 5.15; I Cor. 2.8-12; Luke 7.1-10

Day 261 – The Sons Of Issachar

Posted on September 22, 2016
The Sons Of Issachar

After the death of King Saul, Ish-bosheth, his son, was made king by all but one tribe of Israel. Judah,
however, recognized David as their king and he set up his residence in Hebron. Even before the death of
King Saul, David had been anointed king by the prophet Samuel. David received a prophetic word for his
destiny as king over all Israel, was an anointed worshipper and the Holy Spirit worked through him, yet
he did not have the support of the government. For seven years, David reigned in Hebron, while Ish-
bosheth ruled in Jerusalem. Upon his death, all of Israel, tribe by tribe, person by person, had to decide
whether to follow the house of David or the house of Saul. I am sure this was not an easy time for the
nation as many had to let go of their former loyalties and allegiances to accept David as their king.

In I Chronicles, chapter 11, David enters Jerusalem and the tribes gather together to receive him as their
king. The leaders of each tribe, along with their mighty men, presented themselves, one by one, to David.
They said these words: “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and
peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” (12.18) As they came before the king, one tribe stands
out, and that was the tribe of Issachar. In chapter 12, verse 32, it says: “Of Issachar, men who had
understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their
command.”
This, fairly insignificant tribe, has much to teach us today. First, they understood the times. They had
prophetic insight into what God was doing and were ready to make the changes necessary to flow with
God’s purposes. In the time of the judges, it was Issachar that aligned with Deborah to fight against the
Canaanites. I am sure it was difficult to submit to the leadership of a woman, especially in the culture of
that day, yet it was the tribe of Issachar that recognized what God was doing through this mighty woman
of God. The Lord needs people today who will look beyond their reason, culture and their past to see His
intention and purpose.

The sons of Issachar were also noted as a people who knew what to do. They did not just know truth, but
had the wisdom to know how to apply truth for the benefit of the whole nation. This characteristic was so
needed in the establishment of David’s kingdom. These men would stand by David to help in the
consolidation of a wounded and divided nation. They recognized God’s choice and added their gifts and
callings to aid in the integration of the tribes under David’s authority.

Another noted quality of the sons of Issachar was that fact that they were united under their chiefs. The
Bible says that all Issachar’s kinsmen were under their command. (I Chron. 12.32) Being aligned under
authority brings sustained unity. It is easy to lead a people when all are listening to one voice. With a
prophetic vision and practical wisdom, this tribe was able to walk together as one and serve the king,
without dissension.

These sons of Issachar hold a special place in the history of Israel, and provide an example for all of us
throughout the ages. It is so necessary to understand the times, to know what to do and to be in unity
under God’s ordained authority.

Scriptures to meditate on:

I Chron. 12.32; Daniel 2.21-23; Judges 5.15; I Cor. 2.8-12; Luke 7.1-10

Become like the children of Issachar!

August 11, 2008
1 Chronicles 12:32 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.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending time with a pastor and his wife who've been in the ministry for
decades, and they shared with us some great wisdom. One of the words given was "be like the children of
Issachar." Of course, I had to ask what this meant. So he referred me to 1 Chronicles 12:32.

The children of Issachar were men who "understood the times, to know what Israel ought to do." The
Hebrew word for "understanding", "bee-nah", has a root which also means discernment, wisdom,
perception and knowledge.

We live in a day and and age in which discernment is a sorely needed gift in the body of Christ– and
praise God, it's a gift which is freely given by the Holy Spirit! [1 Corinthians 12:10]

Why? Because the enemy of our souls is cunning and subtle, and a major sign of the times is the
proliferation of "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of devils." [1 Timothy 4:1]

A.W. Tozer once stated, "The red corpuscles are like faith - they carry the life giving oxygen to every part
of the body. The white cells are like discernment - they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it
out to the drain. In a healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of
the life stream."

So how can we become like the children of Issachar? By building up our spiritual immune system! We
need to ask for and develop the spiritual gift of discernment, not falling into the trap of spiritual laziness
where we fail to discern truth from error, or to identify the enemy's spiritual toxins which could poison us.

Let's ask God for this important gift! Let's ask the Spirit of Truth to lead and guide us with discernment,
every step of the way so that we become like the children of Issachar -- able to understand the
times, ...and, to know what we ought to do!

Walk in Prophecy!
August 2, 2016
2 Kings 23:16-17 And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and
sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according
to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words. Then he said,
What title is that that I see? And the men of the city told him, It is the sepulchre of the man of God, which
came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.
This is an interesting passage of Scripture which details how Josiah, a young and Godly king, went forth
to cleanse the land, and in doing so, finds that he was fulfilling a prophecy given years before. Josiah
went forth doing what was right -- and in doing so, was walking out the works that God preordained for
him -- he was fulfilling the calling that God had set into motion years before!

Each of us is alive for such a time as this, living in this day and hour, and all around us prophecy is being
fulfilled. Quite honestly, the prophecies of these last days seem to be being fulfilled faster than I
anticipated -- but nevertheless, we are witnessing the signs all around us, and they are not so comforting.

So what is our mandate, our calling, our destiny for these days? Will we walk as Josiah, steadfast after
God? Because in our day as well, there is prophecy spoken by Jesus himself concerning these last days in
which we live: "because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." [Matthew 24:12] Josiah
walked amidst incredible idolatry and sin in Israel, (just like we are now), but instead of catering or
yielding to it, he used all the authority he had to tear it down. He was fearless in his hatred of sin because
of his intense love for God. Jesus' words imply a specific calling for us in these last days: Don't allow
your love to grow cold!

Sin abounds all around us, and maybe to some extent, IN us– but it's already written that we can triumph
over it if we will just keep our love for him HOT! On the cross he won an astounding victory which we
can claim and walk in each and every day of our lives! If we walk in his victory, we too can fulfill the
prophetic words of the greatest prophet, because he did not say "the love of ALL will grow cold". So let
us be those who fulfill this prophetic destiny the way King Josiah did. We CAN be the ones who keep
that passion for God, even in these terrible times!

Study to show thyself approved!

March 20, 2007
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.

A candidate for church membership was asked, “What part of the Bible do you like best?” He said: “I like
the New Testament best. Then he was asked, “What Book in the New Testament is your favorite?” He
answered, the Book of the Parables, Sir.” Hmmm. Do you realize how many of us are guilty of such little
knowledge of God's word?

The Lord has really been convicting our hearts of how much we need to know the Bible in this day and
age. The Lord has given it to us as a gift! That we might have wisdom and knowledge and understanding
beyond our years!
Let's strive to study and learn His Word. There's so much work to be done!Study to show thyself
approved!
March 20, 2007
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.

A candidate for church membership was asked, “What part of the Bible do you like best?” He said: “I like
the New Testament best. Then he was asked, “What Book in the New Testament is your favorite?” He
answered, the Book of the Parables, Sir.” Hmmm. Do you realize how many of us are guilty of such little
knowledge of God's word?

The Lord has really been convicting our hearts of how much we need to know the Bible in this day and
age. The Lord has given it to us as a gift! That we might have wisdom and knowledge and understanding
beyond our years!

Let's strive to study and learn His Word. There's so much work to b

Learn Well!
September 10, 2014
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

I'm not sure where I read it, but the idea has always been ingrained in my mind -- if you want to be a good
teacher, be a good student. When Yeshua (Jesus) lived on the earth, his disciples were called "talmudim".
The Hebrew literally means "students". "Talmudim" comes from the verb, "Lilmod", "to learn". In
essence, talmudim are learners.

We who know Yeshua as Lord consider Him our Rabbi or Teacher, and ourselves, His talmudim. As such
we continue to learn and grow in His wisdom, love, and character.

This learning process involves regular tests from our Lord as He leads us from one level of faith to the
next. I recall years ago when I was in school, never being a huge fan of tests -- in fact, rather disliking
them quite a bit. I'd often find myself attempting to cram mountains knowledge into my poor brain the
night before an important exam. Then, after completing the test I would quickly forget most of what I had
crammed and scarcely absorbed. Doubtless had I been required to retake the test a week later, I'd almost
certainly have failed it.

But in the testing of faith, we cannot cram knowledge or understanding and still hope to pass. If we try
this shoddy and superficial approach to learning we will simply find ourselves retaking the test, over and
over again. If we are truly His talmudim, we will study, pray and delve deeply into the challenging
material at hand, to learn and absorb the lesson well, so that we are educated, transformed, and well
equipped to move forward in the Lord. Yeshua wants us to learn today's lesson – because He has a new
lesson for us tomorrow!

What lesson is today's important lesson? Be diligent to understand and apprehend it, and even to begin
applying it. So doing you'll be thoroughly equipped and prepared for the one your Rabbi will send
next...maybe even, tomorrow!