Knowing the Times: The Sons of Issachar

As part of my role with ADRA, I have the privilege of traveling across Australia to attend Big Camps and lead workshops that connect faith with action. Recently, during a visit to Northern Australia, I found myself in the Youth Tent, captivated by a sermon from Pastor Gabriel Perea. He was preaching from 1 Chronicles 12—a chapter that catalogues the warriors who rallied to David’s side during his rise to kingship. The chapter is a roll call of the brave: men who could wield swords, hold formation, and face battle without flinching.

But then, in verse 32, the narrative takes a surprising turn:

“Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command.”—1 Chronicles 12:32

That verse stopped me in my tracks.

Understanding the Times

The sons of Issachar weren’t described as warriors. They weren’t praised for their strength or military skill. Instead, they were known for something far more rare and powerful: discernment. They understood the times. They were attuned to the cultural, political, and spiritual climate of their day. They knew what was happening in their nation—and what needed to happen next.

Some scholars suggest that the sons of Issachar were farmers, deeply familiar with the rhythms of the land. They could read the skies, sense the seasons, and advise when to sow and when to reap. But their wisdom went beyond agriculture. They were leaders because they could interpret the moment and guide others accordingly.

That kind of wisdom is desperately needed today.

A World in Crisis

We live in a time of global upheaval. The cost-of-living crisis is squeezing families. Wars rage on. Natural disasters displace thousands. Domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health struggles are on the rise. The needs are overwhelming—and often invisible.

In our churches and communities, people are hurting. But are we paying attention? Are we, like the sons of Issachar, discerning the times? Are we listening to the cries of the vulnerable, the lonely, the overlooked?

I know people in my church who are deeply in tune with what’s happening around them. They notice when someone’s missing from the pews. They quietly drop off groceries to a struggling family. They speak up when injustice rears its head. These are our modern-day sons and daughters of Issachar—those who see, who understand, and who act.

Knowing What to Do

The second part of that verse is just as powerful:

“…to know what Israel ought to do.”

It’s one thing to recognize a problem. It’s another to know how to respond. The sons of Issachar didn’t just wring their hands or offer commentary from the sidelines. They led. They acted. And remarkably, they did so without weapons. They weren’t soldiers, but their wisdom gave them influence. “All their brethren were at their command.”

So how do we become people who know what to do in times like these?

The answer is simple, yet profound: we follow the commands of Jesus.

What Jesus Calls Us to Do

Here are just a few of the clear, actionable instructions Jesus gives us:

• Love God and Love Others

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… and you shall love your neighbour as yourself.” —Matthew 22:37–39

This is the foundation. Everything else flows from this dual command. Does our community feel the love of God through us? Do our neighbours know we care—not just in word, but in deed?

• Defend the Vulnerable

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”—Psalm 82:3

We are called to stand in the gap. To speak up. To act. Whether it’s advocating for the homeless, supporting survivors of abuse, or mentoring a child in need—there is always something we can do.

• Live the Golden Rule

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.”—Matthew 7:12

This isn’t just a moral nicety—it’s a radical call to empathy. Imagine a world where we all lived this out. It starts with us.

• Be Kind to the Needy

“Blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”—Proverbs 14:21

Kindness is not weakness. It’s a divine strength. A simple act of compassion can be a lifeline to someone drowning in despair.

Preparing the Soil

The metaphor of farming is a powerful one. Before a harvest can come, the soil must be prepared. Seeds must be sown. Time must pass. Effort must be made. The sons of Issachar understood this. They didn’t just react—they prepared. They planned. They led with wisdom and foresight.

What would it look like for our churches to prepare the soil in our communities? To sow seeds of love, justice, and hope? To cultivate relationships, invest in people, and trust God for the harvest?

A Call to Action

It’s time for the sons and daughters of Issachar to rise again. To be people who understand the times—not just politically or economically, but spiritually. To be people who know what to do—and do it. To lead not with swords, but with wisdom. Not with fear, but with faith.

You may feel like just one person. But remember: the sons of Issachar were only 200 leaders. Yet they influenced an entire nation.

You don’t need a platform. You don’t need a title. You just need eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart willing to act.

Let’s be those people. For Jesus’ sake—and for the sake of a world that desperately needs hope.