David was a gifted man. A musician, poet, shepherd, and king. But above all he was a warrior. He knew what it meant to be in battle, to risk life, to fight for a cause. There were times when he fought alone. He protected sheep during the night, and walk into the valley to take on Goliath. But as this warrior’s reputation grew he began to find himself surrounded by other men who also had a warrior mentality.
These men were tough, courageous, loyal men who would do anything for their leader. They seemed to thrive on the excitement of living on the edge of life and death. They were absolutely fearless. Their story is found 1 Chronicles 12. It reads like a report from the department of defense. They were an impressive force. These were fighting men who had earned great reputations. They are listed by tribes and groups.
They are also identified in some creative ways. There were the switch-hitters, the iron men, and others from various tribes of Israel. Then the Bible mentions a small group of men from the tribe of Issachar. They numbered only 200. But what is said about them is very important. They were not an impressive force, but they had two characteristics that set them apart.
They were Men of Discernment
The Bible says they understood the times. They knew the condition of their country. They saw the spiritual apathy and degeneration around them. They saw what the other warriors could not see. Others could see the battle at hand, but the men of Issachar could see the entire war. They understood what was behind it all. They saw the spiritual dimension. They knew that their country had followed a path of spiritual degeneration and that they needed a change.
The were Men of Direction
The Bible says they had a knowledge of what Israel should do. They not only understood the times, but they knew how to respond to the times. They knew that they needed to act.
These are critical days for America. May we understand the times, and may we know what we should do
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