MEN WHO UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES

MEN WHO UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:7, Daniel 2:20-23, Matthew 16:2-3, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Romans 13:11

INTRODUCTION:
In every generation, God raises men and women who have spiritual understanding of the times. These people do not just go with the flow of events, but discern divine seasons and respond appropriately. The sons of Issachar, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:32, were such people—wise, perceptive, and relevant. They were not just warriors; they were counsellors whose wisdom guided Israel.

Spiritual relevance in today's world requires more than activity; it demands discernment. We live in an era where people are driven by emotions, trends, and pressure. But God is seeking those who understand what He is doing, those who do not panic in crisis, and those who align with His will.

As we study the lives of the sons of Issachar, we’ll learn the traits that made them stand out and how we too can become people of understanding and influence in our generation.

1. UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS IS A DIVINE GIFT

a) God is the revealer of times and seasons (Daniel 2:20–21)
God alone changes times and seasons, and He grants wisdom to those who seek Him for divine insight. The ability to discern times is not natural; it is given by God.

b) Lack of understanding leads to missed divine opportunities (Luke 19:44)
Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they failed to recognise their time of visitation. Not understanding God's timing can lead to loss, regret, and judgement.

c) The Spirit helps us perceive divine timing (Romans 8:14)
As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. It is by the Spirit that we discern when to move, wait, speak, or act.

d) There is a time and purpose for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Life is structured in divine sequences. Recognising God's time for each season helps us to walk in alignment and fruitfulness.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6–9)
Noah understood the time of impending judgement and obeyed God by preparing an ark. His discernment saved his family and preserved humanity.

2. PEOPLE OF UNDERSTANDING INFLUENCE OTHERS

a) The sons of Issachar provided direction for Israel (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Their wisdom influenced national decisions. They had leadership capacity rooted in divine understanding.

b) Wisdom attracts responsibility and leadership (Proverbs 4:7-9)
Those who walk in wisdom are often entrusted with leadership. They are dependable and stable.

c) Influence grows when it is backed by discernment (Ecclesiastes 10:10)
Wisdom sharpens a man's edge and makes his influence effective. You are not easily ignored when you carry divine understanding.

d) True spiritual leaders see beyond the surface (2 Kings 6:16-17)
Elisha saw into the spirit realm and gave counsel that changed the outcome of war. People of insight have solutions.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 41:14-40)
Joseph's understanding of Pharaoh’s dream and the seasons of plenty and famine made him a prime minister in Egypt. His wisdom saved nations.

3. DISCERNMENT BRINGS RELEVANCE IN GOD'S AGENDA

a) Those who understand the times become God's mouthpiece (Amos 3:7)
God reveals His secrets to those who are aligned with Him. These individuals are His voice to nations and generations.

b) Relevance is rooted in alignment with divine purpose (Romans 8:28)
Understanding the divine agenda makes you relevant and useful in God's hands.

c) Discernment prevents distraction (Nehemiah 6:3)
Nehemiah discerned the enemy’s trap and refused to leave the work. Discernment helps us stay focused.

d) Those who discern spiritual seasons reap divine rewards (Galatians 6:9)
There’s a due season for every harvest. Discernment helps us endure till our time comes.

Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:13-16)
Esther discerned that her position was for such a time as this. Her response to Mordecai saved the Jewish people.

4. A LIFE OF PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP CULTIVATES DISCERNMENT

a) Seeking God unveils divine secrets (Jeremiah 33:3)
God invites us to call upon Him and promises to reveal hidden things we do not know.

b) Discernment grows through intimacy with the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)
The Spirit guides us into all truth, showing us things to come.

c) Fellowship sharpens spiritual senses (Hebrews 5:14)
Those who consistently walk with God develop sensitivity to His voice and timing.

d) Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16)
Christ is our perfect example. His discernment flowed from consistent fellowship with the Father.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10, 2:19)
Daniel’s habit of prayer gave him access to divine revelations and made him a man of understanding before kings.

5. SPIRITUAL INSIGHT PRESERVES DESTINIES

a) Those who understand the times avoid destruction (Matthew 24:15-16)
Jesus warned the disciples of the coming desolation. Those who discerned His words fled and were saved.

b) God gives wisdom to preserve His people (Proverbs 2:11)
Discretion and understanding will guard you from evil and lead you to safety.

c) Satan takes advantage of ignorance (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Lack of discernment gives the enemy a foothold. But insight shuts the door against his schemes.

d) Understanding leads to wise choices (Deuteronomy 30:19)
God sets life and death before us. Discernment helps us choose life continually.

Biblical Example: Abigail (1 Samuel 25:18-35)
Abigail discerned the danger her household faced due to her husband's foolishness and acted wisely to prevent destruction.

CONCLUSION:
The sons of Issachar were not just wise—they were relevant. In a time of transition, their understanding brought clarity and direction. In our present day, God still seeks such men and women who understand spiritual timings and respond with wisdom.

Let us commit ourselves to seeking God for discernment, so that we may not walk in darkness but in divine insight. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, we can understand the times, walk in relevance, and fulfil our divine assignment.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the spirit of understanding and discernment like the sons of Issachar.
2. Father, help me to recognise and align with Your timing for every season of my life.
3. O Lord, open my spiritual eyes to see beyond the natural.
4. I reject every form of confusion and spiritual blindness in Jesus’ name.
5. Lord, raise me as a voice of wisdom and relevance in my generation.
6. I receive grace to wait patiently for my due season and not run ahead of God.
7. Father, sharpen my spiritual senses and help me discern Your will daily.
8. Holy Spirit, lead me into divine revelations and instructions that preserve my destiny.
9. Lord, grant me wisdom that influences and blesses others.
10. I declare I will not miss my time of visitation or destiny opportunities, in Jesus’ name.