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. (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV)

We have a global pandemic, political views challenging our democratic ideals and changing cultural mores challenging our fundamental religious and moral values.  Is there ever a time when we need to understand the times and what we are to do as Christians?

Some think their understanding was about astronomy and its relationship to the calendar and understanding the cycle of events.  Others believe that it was about understanding political events and their effect on culture. Still, others see the tribe of Issachar as having understood theology and God’s role in human affairs.  Maybe it was all the above.

When the tribes of Israel traveled through the wilderness, the tribe of Judah led the way, followed by Issachar.  Judah, representing praise always went first, trailed by Issachar indicative of understanding.  You can take this analogy further and say that Judah was Israel’s heart and Issachar its mind.

I have a plaque on my bathroom shelf that says that “follow you heart, but don’t forget your mind.”

Someone once said that “all mind and no spirit (heart) and you dry up.  All heart and no mind, and you blow up.  Heart and mind, and you grow up.  The Bible says that “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24 ESV).

Today, are we, as Christians seeking to follow the tradition of the Sons of Issachar.  Are we endeavoring to understand our times and enact a righteous response to the continuing downward spiral we see on our national and international scene?

I worked for seventeen years as a missionary with Youth With A Mission.  My missionary work has taken me to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Spain, and Ukraine.  I hold a Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University.  [email protected]