What are your non-negotiables?

1 Chronicles 12:32 “…from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do”.

Do you understand the times in which you live and what you and your nation should do?  The men from Issachar did. 

It was the time for David to become king over the entire kingdom.  Warriors from every tribe, competent in their craft and armed for battle joined him.  These men came day after day to help David until he had a great army like the army of God (1Chronicles 12:22). What drove these men to leave their families and properties to aid David?  One word:  conviction.  These warriors knew that the Hand of God Almighty was upon David and the moment had come for him to consolidate the kingdom.   They therefore acted on this knowledge.  What I find interesting though is that among these warriors were two hundred (200) chiefs from Issachar.   Unlike the other warriors whose fighting skill sets and weaponry of choice were highlighted, these men from Issachar were described as men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.   For me this indicates several things:

1. The men from Issachar spent time in prayer (conversations) with God Almighty.  The times these men lived in and by extension, us, are difficult. However, only when we converse with God will we be able to hear what God wants to tell us. God is always speaking.  God the Creator of heaven and earth indicates that He does nothing without revealing it to his servants, the prophets (Amos 3:7). Are we listening to Him?
2. These men through the conversations with God gained understanding about the times in which they lived and the role of their nation. This is divine discernment.  Are we taking the time to understand the times we live in and the role that our nation plays in it and by extension our role as members of that nation? “…Justice, brotherhood and peace…increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity… and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race” are roles that readily come to mind.
3.  Issachar men having understood the times became convinced that something had to be done.  Their conviction meant that they, like Daniel later on, had to stand up for their principles no matter the personal sacrifice.  This conviction spread to their relatives and fuelled their action to line up their families under their command.   What godly vision and actions do you need to spread to your children and relatives today to bring about the kingdom of God in our nation? What are we prepared to live by and for?

Let us seek God’s face and hear what he wants us to do and act on it.  For such a time as this you have been assigned.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, we are often so busy trying to serve you without hearing from you.   This is useless and empty. No wonder our world is not changing and reflecting your glory.  Please Lord forgive us and open our hearts, minds and spirits to your word so that we will discern, become convinced and act on your Living Word. We know our world will change by the power that raised Jesus from the dead, when we are obedient to you.  In Jesus name Amen