Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.
–I Chronicles 12:32
This teaching will help you recognize the seasons of the Lord in your life and help you know what to do!
This is perhaps one of the most critical seasons in recent history for the church “to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” As you know better than I, the sons of Issachar, knew the times and seasons of the Lord, and therefore were able to help Israel listen and obey the Lord in their generation. We too must “listen and obey” and proclaim to God’s people His word in season!
There are so many passages of Scripture which underscore how important it is to recognize the unique nature of seasons in order to appropriately respond. For example, listen to the stinging words of Jeremiah 8:7, Proverbs 20:4 and Daniel 2:21,
Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord.
Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time they look but find nothing.
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
The Sons of Issachar were only one tribe among many whom God raised up to TRANSITION the kingdom under Saul to the rule of David (see I Chronicles 12). This transitional army had several key characteristics. These characteristics are crucial for us in our day to develop, possess and release, as we battle against spiritual darkness to prepare for the millennial coming reign of the son of David, Jesus, the Messiah.
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Equipped and Trained (vv.2,23)
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Valiant & Courageous (vv.8,28)
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Unified & Peaceful (vv.16-18, 38)
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Joyful (v.40)
I have attached a spreadsheet at the end of this POST covering most, if not all, the unique 3-month Biblical; seasons in chronological order. In general, I have determined that the coronavirus pandemic has been a 3-month season worldwide, depending on unique national or regional exposure. For example, most Governors in the USA issued “shelter-in-place” orders in March for their respective states, thus, 3-months would be maturing in June of 2020 depending on how restrictions are being phased. Obviously, China, for example, would be ahead of this curve with their own 3-months seasons. You may be better with the actual timing details than me.
This pandemic is 3-month KAIROS, a divine opportunity for the church to transition to a new paradigm of expectation and obedience. We need to let go of some sacred cows and embrace the new thing He is doing to prepare us for holiness and harvest.
I BELIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT ASKED ME TO STUDY 3-MONTH SEASONS FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURE IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS DOING IN THE EARTH. THIS STUDY STARTED WITH THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IN THE HOUSE OF OBED-EDOM DURING THE REIGN OF DAVID.
The major truth is God’s word has often revealed “seasons and times” which are in His hands. Though He does not necessarily cause all things , he certainly allows “all things” by His own sovereign goodness and steadfast love (Rom.8:28-29). I am not alone, this I am sure, of the many thousands (millions) who are seeking God, returning to the joy of their salvation, lifting up their voices for a “quickening” and “understanding” to fully glean ALL the Lord wants to teach us and deposit in us for the ever darkening days ahead. I believe great revival and awakening will parallel great adversity and falling away.
It is incredible what happened during 3-month time frames in God’s word…Moses was born & protected…judgements were poured out…prophetic understanding was released…Churches were planted and encouraged…new mission fields were opened…revelation was released…sin was manifest…major transitions to greater God-glory was secured! I BELIEVE GOD HAS ADVANCED HIS GOOD PURPOSE TO A DEGREE THAT WE MAY OR MAY NOT REALIZE!
This study is to simply assist the body of Jesus, the Messiah, to hear what others have already heard and experienced in past seasons of salvation history as revealed by God’s Scripture. The Scripture is given to help the saints in unity “Persevere” in the midst of difficult times to glorify God(Rom.15:4-5). You can expand each of the 3-month biblical examples to overlay each unique situation. I believe these truths can ‘overlap’ to help us grasp the depth of what God is saying and requiring of us.
I simply pray we will allow the “pressure” of these days yield the ” the clear oil of beaten olives” for the lampstand of the church and the anointing of the Holy Spirit for ministry…“You shall charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the Lord; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel. (Ex.27:20-21)
Open the 3-month Issachar spreadsheet, read and meditate on the salvation narratives which are being presented. I have left an open column at the end of each 3-month narrative for you to enter YOUR PERSONAL INSIGHTS.
May the Holy Spirit continue to open the eyes of your heart to everything God has prepared for you to embrace and walk in for the glory of God.