And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. –I Chronicles 12:32. Bold type added for emphasis.
It is important for us to understand the times we are living in; a lack of this understanding will tend toward greater confusion, and a greater struggle in building up faith.This is especially vital during these, the very last of the “last days.” This is such a time as has not been seen before, so we need to search out the Word of God for every applicable scripture, and hold on tightly to every word. This is a desperate time, an evil time, but knowing that God has already forecast the coming of such times can help us immeasurably. The Bible says that it is a time of falling away, of mankind departing from the faith, and when the transgressors are come to the full (II Thessalonians 2:3, I Timothy 4:1, Daniel 8:23). We have to know what we are facing. We especially need to be aware of this when it comes to reaching the lost for Christ, something every believer in Christ has been called to do.
First of all, remember that salvation comes from God alone. In our day, there are those who think they’ve got it all figured out; they know exactly what to do and say, and just how to do it in order to ensure much success. The Bible says that salvation will come only to the few (Matthew 7:13&14), and is the work of God. I would accept that there may be good techniques for sharing the gospel, but only God can bring the increase to His kingdom. Generally speaking, the apparent success of many evangelists lies in the fact that they are preaching a prosperity gospel, rather than one of genuine REPENTANCE (Matthew 4:17).
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. –Mark 10:26, 27.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. –John 6:44.
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. –I Corinthians 3:6,7.
What we need is discernment, brethren. Again, I do not wish to discourage witnessing, but we need to understand the time we are living in. By this understanding we will be helped in knowing what to do or what not to do, with the Holy Spirit’s leading.
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. –John 9:4. Is this the nighttime that Jesus spoke of? I believe that it is.
Did you know that one of the Bible’s descriptions for people of the last days is reprobate, and that it is used three times? This use of the word reprobate means they are rejected as far as salvation, and is found in Romans 1:28, Titus 1:16, and II Timothy 3:8. This is pretty harsh! We are also told that these people are “haters of God” in Romans 1:30, and will not repent, even as God’s judgment is outpoured (Revelation 9:20&21, 16:9). In spite of these harsh truths, God still wants a witness to all, and there may yet be a few more that come to salvation.
We are unprofitable servants, brethren, doing that which is our duty by witnessing (Luke 17:10). Real salvation is a work of God’s Holy Spirit upon an individual: God’s Word has already told us that the people of the last days would be “despisers of those that are good” in II Timothy 3:3. Our job is simply to present the gospel, trust the Lord to do His work, and then move on.
Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. –Matthew 15:12-14.
And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. –Luke 9:5.
The Bible also admonishes us that there will be times to speak AND times to be silent; such wisdom will be found in us through God’s Holy Spirit.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. –Proverbs 26:4, 5.
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven…a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. –Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7B.
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. –Amos 5:13.
Let us pray that God would give us an understanding of these times, and in each individual situation that we may encounter, that we may know the right thing to do. In the opening scripture, we find that the men of Issachar had this; in this passage, they were but 200 out of 332,000 accounted for amongst the tribes of Israel! This bears out as an example for us today; it is indeed the very few among the many that will know what to do, and act accordingly. Let us search the Word of God diligently, and take every word given therein for our help.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. –II Timothy 2:15.
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