Scripture
23 These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the LORD had said:… 32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do… (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Observation
As the Chronicler lists those who joined the ranks of David’s army he numbered them and gave a descriptor. Coming to the volunteers from the tribe of Issachar, he pointed out that these were people “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”
I understand that this description was not given as an evangelistic comment – it just seemed right for these men to join David at this time. But looking at the church today, we need more people like this. We need more people who understand the world, the times we live in, who know what the people of God should do – and most importantly (like this group of soldiers) sign up for service to that end!
Many of us either understand the church or the world, but we don’t understand both. We need men and women who deeply love Jesus and want to see his kingdom come, who also understand the world and the times we live in and are willing to do what it takes to bring the hope and good news of Jesus to people who are in desperate need of God’s love, hope, and forgiveness.
Application
Today, I will buy one or two magazines dealing with popular culture and I will read them cover to cover. I will do this prayerfully, asking God which of these things are things that accurately describe the times and world we live in – and toward which of these things I should steer my ministry.
Prayer
Thank you, God, that you are God of this city – God of these times. By the power of your Holy Spirit, help me to be a person who understands the time in which I live and know what needs to be done – all for your glory – that others may come to have a personal relationship with you! Amen.