1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.
Scripture Insights
What should we do? is a question often asked in challenging situations. In 1 Chronicles 12, we find a group of men who knew what to do. They are listed among a motley crew who have joined forces with the exiled David to stand with this future king. They are warriors and wise men. The chronicler states that these men could understand “the times.” Too often when we hear talk of “the times,” we find people falling into the trap of predicting the second coming of Christ. We know better than this. Rather than a prediction, we need wise men and women who can prayerfully read our current situation and hear from the Spirit what we should do.
Our situation is different from the context of today’s scripture, but there are some questions we can ask:
What would God do if we came together with people who are different from ourselves?
How might we read the current times so the Spirit can guide us in our mission to love God and neighbor?
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, we find it easy to rely on our own wisdom and understanding. While we know they are gifts from you, we need you to sanctify them by your Spirit. Teach us what to do. We are yours. We trust you.
Prayer Journal Reflections
Reflect on the mission of the church in Canada and the United States.
—Olivia Metcalf
District Superintendent, Upstate New York
