Peace Ministries |
Harvest International Ministries
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Pastor Margaret Jones
Apostle's Personal Assistant
Director of Peace Ministries
UNDERSTANDING TIMES & SEASONS
I Chronicles 12:32Of 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.
According to the Torah, Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and Leah more commonly referred to as the son born to Leah the rejected wife's hiring of her husbands Jacob for mandrakes. In origin (etymology) is ish-sachar, literally meaning man of hire, though some Jewish sources have taken it to mean reward or recompense.
In character however, traditionally Issachar dominance was religious scholars in the Midrash (study) it is said that Issachar was the most influential proselytism (converting to Judaism) and that Jewish religious scholars were either from the tribe of Levi or Issachar. The Midrash (scholars study) also debate that Issachar's description in the Blessing of Jacob "Issachar is a strong ass lying down between the sheepfolds: and he saw that the settled life was good, and the land pleasant: he put his shoulder to the burden, and became a slave under forced labor" as a reference to the religious scholarship of the tribe of Issachar, rather than a literal interpretation of Issachar's name. (Jewish Encyclopedia 2008)
The sons of Issachar had an understanding of times; seasons to know what Israel ought to. At another critic time in the history Israel during the times of the Judges God raised up men and women to act as delivers, those would take charge of the affairs of tribes in case of war and who could assumed leadership of their respective tribes in the succeeding times of peace. Intervention in respond to Israel cries because of oppression due to their folly. In accordance with the need or season their functions were martial or judicial. The martial law system rules in the absence of civil government while judicial administer justice in the name of the sovereign. They had bought authority and power; only it was not like the priest who passes down to lineage. Judges 10: 1-2
After Abimelech died, Tola of the tribe of Issachar rose up to rescue Israel Tola was from the tribe of Issachar who served as judge in Israel for 23 years. Abimelech 6th judge represents the number of man (Flesh).
Tola 7th judge represents rest. As it was then, so it is now. As we embark into a new dimension, God is navigating his people by his own blue print. We have never experienced nor witness such a cry for peace economically, socially, physically, emotionally, environmentally, judicially and yes, even spiritually. We live in the most technically advanced world system and yet, we cannot grasp peace. Warring inside and outside all at same time. We have a lot of leaders with a lot of knowledge and no understanding. We have great insight into the mysteries of the heavens, yet we cannot agree even to disagree. We are still saying what God has said and not entering into the place of what he is saying in this season. No wonder we don't know what we ought to do. Hook or crook as long as I win, let the body or the masses continue to cry and be destroyed, can get no help from anywhere, yet they say I have the answer to peace. I know what we ought to do. Evil Abimelech got the judgeship illegally and died in disgrace; even upon his death pride was still running the show.
God raised up Tola from a family lineage that had issues, but duly noted from a tribe traditionally known as understanding times and seasons balanced, guess what on his way to purpose (seventh judge of Israel), I believe this man of understanding navigational blue print included but not all inclusive the following foundational tools (Order, Agreement, Unity, Submission, Rest, Faithfulness, Holiness, Patience, Assurance, Sanctification, Power and Obedience) "Pastor Julia Holmes, PhD, H.I.M 2006." Father give us an ear to hear, heart to discern (understand) and power (to produce) mighty men and women after your heart (who know what to do).
It is time for Leaders to SHIFT! [Leader-shift]
In I Samuel chapter 16, Samuel was still grieving for Saul after God had rejected Saul because in chapter 15, Saul disobeyed God by not fully following his instructions. God bluntly told Samuel to stop grieving for Saul because he was rejected; God had chosen another person [David] to become king over his people.
God had allowed Samuel to grieve for Saul, however, God never want his people to become stagnant because of one person. If Samuel remained in his grieving state, then the progression of God's people would have been hindered.
In studying this incident, ponder these questions:
1. What are some ways leaders can hinder their congregation or the advancement of their ministry?
2. Why would individuals desire to hold on to what God has rejected?
3. When leaders shift, what should be the response of the followers?
4. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of leaders shifting? Are there any consequences if there is not a shift during a time when God desires a shift?
Apostle, Dr. J. Holmes
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