Sons of Issachar

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sons of Issachar

by Brent Goodge

How easy is it to wake up each morning, check out the latest news headlines on our phones and televisions, and immediately become discouraged? I don’t know what the headlines will be by publication time, but as of this writing, there is grave concern that Putin will order an invasion of Ukraine. Tens of millions of Americans have just been impacted by a massive storm. Hospitals are filled with patients. Politics, the economy, even nature seem to be in turmoil.

Where should we turn during moments like these? To Jesus Christ, of course. But have you ever thought that there might be someone who doesn’t know God that might be asking the same questions? That perhaps, when they cry out to whatever concept of God they have, God will send them to you for answers?

During the coronation of King David, the armies of Israel formed a massive parade. One small verse in 1 Chronicles 12 really made me think: “…the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

God still has a people who understand the times they are living in. They understand what God has called them to do for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). If you are a Bible-believing Christian with access to the Bible at home or online, that person is you.

No, we don’t have a clue (at least as I write) what will happen on the Russia-Ukraine border. We don’t know when or if Covid will end. We don’t know if we will live 24 more hours. But what we do know is so much more important. Almighty God has a message to a dying world.

For those lost in despair and hopelessness, the message we are to share is: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3).

For those worried about human warfare, tell them Jesus said, “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled” (Matthew 24:6).

Some are terrified of crime in the streets. “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1). “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).

We are also given the blessing of His Word to strengthen and admonish each other. Knowing what Israel ought to do is a call to each of us: “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and Godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).

God has given His people an understanding of the times, not to be hand-wringers, but to give us a spirit of power and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). “Go ye therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-20). “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2).

About The Author Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County. He is thankful for the Bible.