Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A rainstorm is coming,’ and it does. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and there is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how can you not know how to interpret the present time? Luke 12:54-59
How is it possible for someone close to God to miss the obvious? This was Jesus’ message to the crowd. They were skillful at interpreting weather-related signs but inept at interpreting the times.
When Saul pursued David to kill him, the number of those who stood by David was small. But a group of men called the ‘sons of Issachar’ perceived things correctly. They saw Saul for who he was ~ a disobedient king under God’s judgment. They saw David for who he was ~ God’s anointed man who should ascend the throne. From all circumstantial evidence, it would appear that Saul was suffering the threat of a coup led by a renegade named David. However, these 200 men read the two men accurately.
The children of Issachar, men who understood their times, knew what Israel ought to do. I Chronicles 12:32
What kind of spiritual acumen do I possess? The men of Issachar looked at Saul the way God looked at Saul. His throne or his crown did not sway them. They could see his behavior and leadership style and know he was out of God’s favor. They looked for the anointing but couldn’t find it. They also looked at David and saw past his poverty and rag-tag militia. They perceived the spiritual markings of a kingly anointing.
Not everything is as it appears. Influential people are often a house of cards. They can crumble after just one confrontation. The meek are often perceived as weak but may rise to rule over us if God promotes them. Jesus is coming soon, and understanding the times has never been more critical.
Oh, for divine eyesight. Train me. Amen
Daughters of promise 