Hi
Are you or someone you know, from the ‘tribe of Issachar’; and wondering how you fit in God’s bigger vision for the world? Perhaps you have been made to feel that your contribution to a project, church, at your place of work is insignificant. Your family is not well known (be-knowing, as my god-granny used to say), and compared to the exploits of those around you, it seems like you are better off in the shadows or being silent.
STOP RIGHT HERE
Today’s Holy Nougat is for your consideration
“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” 1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT
Issachar, one of the less popular tribes in biblical lore. According to the genealogy stories, Issachar was conceived when Leah negotiated with Rachel for access to their husband. The name alludes to the that event. Beyond that, neither the man nor the tribe warrant much attention for individual outstanding actions. And, when compared with the 1000-strong warriors who came to David’s aid (as the guerilla band that would defeat the neighboring phillistines), they could easily be overlooked.
Except for the postscript which accompanies their descriptor. They UNDERSTOOD the times, and offered wise battle strategies. And that made up for the paucity in militia. For, in any battle, there are warriors who fight and those who are determine maneuvers. That includes ‘friendly matches’, sports, sparring at the gym or military/guerilla warfare. Both are valuable.
Those 200 men were crucial to David’s victory; for one wrong tactic could have caused a different outcome. Your contribution to the world around you makes a difference. It may require revisiting the place where you serve (the other tribesmen remained with Saul, but Saul wasn’t fighting the Philistines – their gifts would have been wasted), and prayerfully discerning that it’s time to shift gears; but there is positive purpose to each of our lives.
I pray that each of us finds and shines in our niche, no matter how insignificant we or others think it is!
Good morning
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
