Don’t you sometimes wish you had a crystal ball for what the future holds? In these trying and confusing days of covid, mask mandates, and the shot, don’t you wonder what life will look like in the next few years?
In 1 Chronicles 12:32, we come across this cryptic passage, “of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” The context of the verse is important. Saul is the king of Israel, but a young outlaw shepherd boy named David is being raised up to rival him. The sons of Issachar are the first of the tribes in Israel to support and fight with David. Their decision was based on an “understanding of the times.” The sons of Issachar had an uncanny and unconventional ability to discern what God was doing. I would call this “The Issachar Anointing.”
The Issachar Anointing is that special anointing from the Holy Spirit, given to certain people of God, to understand the times and seasons we are living in, and subsequently, know what God wants us to do. It is an intuitive sense coupled with the voice of God, leading people to do the right thing, often during trying times.
The tribe of Issachar is very interesting. They were especially used of God as discerning fighters, who understood the context of Israel’s seasons. Some two hundred years before David, God used the leaders of Issachar to back a woman judge (Deborah), fight for her, and win. Like their support of David, it was probably controversial. It even seems in another one of those obscure passages, that her commander in battle, Barak, fought for her because the sons of Issachar were in the army.
“And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah;
As Issachar, so was Barak
Sent into the valley under his command;
Among the divisions of Reuben
There were great resolves of heart.” (Judges 5:15)
“As Issachar, so was Barak.” Interesting twist of words. It seems as though Deborah, who wrote the song, knew that Barak, her general, decided to fight for her based on the support of Issachar. The sons of Issachar understood the times, heard from God, aligned with His plan, and others followed.
American Marxism in our Day
How important it is to have such an anointing today. With the march of “American Marxism” in our day resulting in media censorship, Big Tech and Big Pharma takeover of our healthcare industry, and an education system that despises the history and unique freedoms of our nation, the church desperately needs men and women with The Issachar Anointing.
What is a working definition for this anointing from God?
First, The Issachar Anointing is the ability to discern times and seasons. Time manifests itself in seasons. Our chronological year has seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like our physical seasons, we have spiritual seasons. There are seasons within time, and we must adjust. Each season fulfills a specific purpose for our life. God measures our life according to purpose. This is an anointing of discernment for what season we are in.
Second, The Issachar Anointing is the ability to discern truth from falsehood.
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” (John 8:32) We must know and believe truth. Knowing truth doesn’t set us free. Believing truth sets us free! You cannot know how to discern falsehood if you don’t know and believe God’s truth. This means reading God’s Word and cultivating intimacy with the Lord.
Third, The Issachar Anointing is the ability to discern God’s voice and go on the offensive against evil. Proverbs 28 expresses the heart of a son and daughter of Issachar:
“The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion.
Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged…
Evil men do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord understand all.”
May I encourage you in 2022 to cultivate The Issachar Anointing. You will need it. Be courageous.
Be bold as a lion,
Pastor Steve