 |
I Chronicles 12.23, 32 (NIV)
These are the numbers of the men armed for
battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, as the
Lord had said . . . men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what
Israel should do – 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.
|
 |
| The leaders God appoints are not necessarily those seeking power.* |
 |
The
twelfth chapter of I Chronicles lists the number of men from each tribe who
were prepared to fight with David against Saul. There is editorial comment
about most of them: “carrying shield and spear,” “brave warriors,” “ready for
battle.” Good stuff. But I would like to have been counted among the tribe of
Issachar – “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”
The
men of Issachar’s understanding of current events and the essence of their
nation helped them to know that it was time to change allegiances from Saul to
David. It is worthy of note that these savvy tribesmen were the fewest in
number. People with this kind of wisdom are rare.
God
needs leaders in the political arena - men and women who can maintain their
integrity in a world that seldom values integrity; people whose gifts and
abilities lie in understanding government and world affairs. When these people
rise to leadership positions, they are part of God’s army, armed for battle
with their understanding of the times.
In I Timothy 2.1 and 2, Paul urges that we pray for "kings and all those in authority." We should also pray for God to raise up men and women like the tribe of Issachar who understand the times and who are willing to take a righteous stand in positions of government and leadership.
|
 |
| A leader must stand among the people with a transcendent perspective.* |
*Quote sources available upon request.
No comments:
Post a Comment