READING: 1 Chronicles 12:32
In Hebrew, the bible is not written in past tense but in present continuous and in future tense. Our God works and moves forward. Who were the sons of Issachar? Each of the twelve sons of Israel and Jacob’s blessing contained a prophetic message for each tribe.
Genesis 49:14-15 says, “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; [15] He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves.”
Fathers and mothers be careful what you say about your children. Jacob’s utterance had an impact on his children. For some of the children, it took an anointed person to break the curse of what Jacob said over his children. The prophecy would mean that either Israel would be strong or they would be weak. The second part of the prophecy in Genesis 49, some commentaries say that they Israelites would servants of the land (farmers) and others see it as they would slaves.
Do you understand the times or the situation you are in? Do you understand today’s word? The sons of Issachar knew how to use the current trends to their own advantage. It is important to understand that Jacob’s blessings to his sons were just prophecies. The bible is clear that work is a gift from God for the benefit of His people.
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says, “I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, [13] and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, the sons of Issachar put themselves to work. They understood what was going on and put some work in. In 2023, what are you going to do knowing that work comes from God?
2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
God is a worker. Most times Christians wake up and pray and declare that miracle money comes but God worked. Faith without work is dead. God rested from His work and Jesus said that He was working because His Father is working.
2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” In 2022 you may have found that your work was not rewarded and you worked like an elephant and ate like an ant. You put in so much effort and got little.
The bible mentions that those who work will get their rewards both in temporal or in the spiritual realm. In 2 Chronicles 15:7, you will get your reward according to your labour.
John 1:8 says, “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.” Don’t let the fire burn out, wake up every day for morning glory and be like Daniel who did it every day. Prayer is part of your work in 2023.
Revelation 2:23 says, “I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.”
Revelation 22:12 says, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” We shall be rewarded according to our works.
Every time the Lord leads and you listen to Him, He will tell you what to do. When you understand the season, it will take sacrifice for you to cease the opportunity. In 2023 let us not be caught off guard. When you understand the times and you have knowledge in the positions you have, then you will have impact.
1 Chronicles 12 describes the mighty men who helped David in war and among them were the sons of Issachar. May we understand the times and seasons and know what to do. Let this be a year of being proactive and not being caught off guard. In 2020 we were caught off guard because of Covid 19.
We need to understand the times in which we are living. Are we disturbed by the children being rebellious? In the UK a law is being passed that they need to teach LGBT in schools. The times are becoming more godless. Do we understand that people are turning more to alcohol and drugs to solve their problems? We are the solutions to understanding the times and not just for ourselves but for the communities.
If we recognise the times, then we can go to the right places to solve our problems. It involves the ability of applying the scripture to our lives today. We must have courage to face opposition from those who don’t believe. People who understand the times are not going to be running in distress but they know that evil can be overcome. Let us have courage like Daniel and Caleb and like those in Hebrews 11.
For the educationists, how prepared are you about the government imposition on school fees? We are not sure what the children of Issachar knew but in this environment we are in, we can learn and understand the times. Do you know that fuel prices impact on your expenditure and how you live? Issachar was the 9th son of Jacob and his name means his reward will come.
Read Genesis 30:1-18. Leah gave birth to Issachar. Rachel’s trade with Leah meant she didn’t understand God’s plan. She was desperate to trade a night Leah.
Where did the tribe of Issachar live? This tribe was known for scholars and labourers. Issachar was known to be wise and intelligent and these traits were passed on to his descendants. Have you considered any traits that were passed on to you?
1 Chronicles 7:1-6, The sons of Issachar were mighty men of valour and understood what Israel ought to do in the future. The lost tribes of Israel are considered to be the 10 tribes that fell to Syria because they were exiled.
We don’t know what happened to the tribe of Issachar but we know that God had a plan for them. God has a plan for all of us. Let us declare Psalm 23 and in this year, let us trust God when things are going well and when things are not going well. Trust in God when someone falls sick, when everyone is against you and fear not. In 2023 when you go through the valley of the shadow of death, fear not for the Lord is with you.
What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? God created everyone with a purpose. Let us participate in small group bible study so that we can understand the scripture and apply the word this year.
PREACHER: MR. EDWARD HIRE