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2010-05-04 issue:

Navigating in a sea of change

Discerning the times and looking to the future

by Natalie Francisco

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And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.—1 Chronicles 12:32, KJV

This Old Testament passage is a favorite of mine because it challenges us to place ourselves in the context of Scripture and relate it to our contemporary, cultural settings.

The men of the tribe of Issachar, as we see in this passage, were few in number; however, they served David the king both effectively and efficiently because of their skill and discernment of knowing exactly what to do, how to do it and when.

According to the Matthew Henry commentary, these men not only understood the natural times but could "discern the face of the sky, were weatherwise and could advise their neighbors in the proper times for plowing, sowing and reaping."

During ceremonial times and solemn feasts, the sons of Issachar would also "call the people to the mountain" (Deuteronomy 33:19).  They understood politics, public and national affairs as well as current events of the day. Their specialty, as evident in 1 Chronicles 12:32, was discernment of the times and seasons in which they lived for the sake of supporting the king and promoting the common good of the people of Israel.

Like the sons of Issachar, we must promote the agenda of our God and king as well as the common good of God’s people so that God’s kingdom is established on earth through the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot bury our heads in the sand and become naïve concerning the signs of the times. It is our mandate to discern the current state of affairs in our community, nation and world and respond accordingly with righteousness, justice and love. 

Today we will participate in group discussions in an effort to discern the times and deliberate as we look toward the future with anticipated solutions for hope and healing. To prepare for such a task, I invite you to stand with me as we recite together the profound words penned in Matthew 6:9-13, known as "The Lord's Prayer." It is this prayer that sets the precedent for our daily conduct and commission to navigate through the murky waters of our world.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.  Amen."

Natalie Francisco is co-pastor of Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va., and founder of Women of Worth and Worship Institute.

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