Understanding theTimes
Understanding
the Times
“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)
Concerning
this lists
and
the numbers
of men from each of the twelve
tribes
of Israel who who
supported David
in his conflict with King Saul. Only
the tribe of Issachar
laid
low and made no public announcement as to who, David or Saul, that
they would support. This
secrecy was not without merit. Behind the scene of Davids take over,
these 200 leaders with all their brethren followed the path leading
David to the throne.
There
was a reason
for their secrecy
and anonymity while supporting David.
Their
decision
was based
upon prior knowledge from God concerning David as King. However they
must keep
a low porofile.
These
leaders of
the family of Issachar
“had
understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.”
It was God’s
time
to
“turn the kingdom”
over
to
David, “according to the word of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 12:23).
When
they had demanded a king to replace the prophets ruling over them,
God
had given them a Benjamite. His
name was Saul.
Saul, was
king for a time, but now Profit
Samuel anointed David.
It
was the time to give “the scepter”
to Judah, according to the prophecy of their father, Jacob, given
over 600 years before (Genesis 49:10
“The
sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his
feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall
the gathering of the people be.)”.
Sometimes
God gives us what we ask for knowing it is not the best course of
action at that moment but He is eager and pleased to make His
children happy.
How
desperately we need leaders today who are spiritual “sons of
Issachar,” understanding these times! Christ told the apostles: “It
is not for you to know the times or the seasons”
(Acts 1:7-8);
it is
more urgent that they proceed to witness for Him “unto
the uttermost part of the earth.” They
may not have known the arrival time of the Messiah but they saw signs
in prophesy that highlighted his arrival. They did not know the exact
generation in which He would return after leaving the garden but they
never doubted that he would.
Now
by scripture, witnesses and the Holy Spirit We know He
will
return
to the earth in some generation. Most
men of spiritual wisdom believe we are living in that generation now.
We are to expect that generation
and
as the hour approaches watch the signs of His coming.He should
be expected (when they would see all these things) to “know that it
is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33
"So
likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is
near, even
at the doors.
38
For
as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and
drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe
entered into the ark,
39
And
knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also
the coming of the Son of man be.”
Some,
today, can
understand the signs, and even though they should never attempt to
guess the date, they must
“look up, . . . for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:2822
For
these be the days of vengeance, that
all things which are written may be fulfilled.
23
But
woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in
those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath
upon this people.
24
And
they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away
captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the
Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
25
And
there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and
the waves roaring;
26
Men's
hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things
which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be
shaken.
The
signs are everywhere, yet few of our leaders—Christian politicians
included—seem to understand the real meaning of these times. Christ
is “even at the doors!” Christs
return is soon coming. Study and
understand
the urgency of God’s people getting out the word.
Know God,know peace. 11-29-2919 BLL
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