HENRY FORD UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES HE LIVED IN. He recast a motor assembly line to make his cars affordable to the average family. In his day, he completely transformed the nation’s way of life.
He was born to a family of farmers in 1863. From a young age, Henry showed the aptitude for making machines that helped with farm work.
At sixteen, he left Dearborn, Michigan for Detroit to work where he found a position as a mechanic’s apprentice. Henry Ford later married Clara Bryant who encouraged him to build a horseless carriage.
Once he said, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” But he made cars.
At thirty-six, he left Edison Illuminating Company to join the Detroit Automobile Company.
He was ousted when the company didn’t produce any car. However, he continued to pursue his dream.
Finally, Henry Ford sold his first car in 1908. He understood the times.
The Narrative
DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS OF SAUL, David could not move freely in Israel because King Saul sought to kill him.
Many men of war came to Ziklag to join him. Men from the tribe of Benjamin also came to him, and he made them officers of his troop.
After the death of Saul, eighteen thousand men from the tribe of Manasseh came to make him king. But among these people were the men of Issachar. The Bible describes them as “men who had an understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 Chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.” (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Unique Qualities
EVERY DISPENSATION HAS ITS UNIQUE CHALLENGES, but those who understand the times will make a difference.
The sons of Issachar understood the times. They knew the culture, and the atmosphere they lived in.
How do we understand the times?
TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIMES COMES FROM THE FEAR OF GOD. When we surrender our lives to the Lord, we begin to gain a better understanding of the times – our lives and the world around us.
WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD. As we do this, we start to discern from His viewpoint. Over time, we learn to separate our understanding from God’s perspective.
ASK IN PRAYER. The Lord wants us to ask Him about the times we live in. “We do not have because we do not ask.” (James 4:2)
God wants us to ask Him about the times we live in
However, most times, God works with events happening around us. So, when next something happens to you, pray for insight.
Wisdom for the Moment
THE SONS OF ISSACHAR KNEW WHAT TO DO. They did not only have the knowledge, but they also possessed wisdom – the ability to use God’s truth correctly.
It’s crucial to understand the scriptures but very essential to know how to apply God’s Word to the current issues of our time.
Their teachers had done a great job - teaching and mentoring them. The sons of Issachar spoke with one voice.
If the Church wants to make a change in our day, it must learn to walk in unity and speak with one voice.
We need leaders who will teach and mentor others to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Act Now
THEY HAD AN INSIGHT AND ACTED WITH PRUDENCE. The sons of Issachar did not only have the facts; they had done a skillful analysis of the times. They had seen that Saul wasn’t a good King, and it was time for a meaningful change.
They had an insight and acted with prudence
They knew that they lived in turbulent times. David had emerged as a real leader. He had been appointed by God. (1 Samuel 16:12-13) David also had the abilities needed to lead Israel.
In the time of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel and his friends refused to take food from the king’s portion because they were offered to idols. (Daniel 1:11-16)
The four chose to walk in obedience. “God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” (Daniel 1:17) These abilities set them apart and gave them leverage in Babylon.
Those who rise to leadership positions are people who can accurately analyze contemporary issues and those who cannot lag.
Our generation needs leaders who can understand the times and know what to do.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
THE SCRIPTURES HAVE ANSWERS TO EVERY CULTURE AND AGE. But we need to understand the current war against the truth to discern the best means of presenting it. This situation has always been the challenge of every dispensation.
If we are to succeed and keep on prospering, we must understand the times we are in and know what to do.