When the Bell Rings

Daily Devotional – Friday, June 3, 2022
…of 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.
1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV)

Whenever I hear a school bell ring, I start asking myself what time it is and whether I am at the right place. I attribute this attitude and behaviour to my primary and secondary school days.

Sometimes, I feel like adults still need bells for the same reasons as students. Generally, there is a lot of idling and time wastage as people grow older. Many of us are last-minute actors.

The Sons of Issachar Understood the Times

A precious verse tucked inside the Bible can assist understand the value of effective time management in all spheres of life. When David was building a militia at Hebron, many valiant men volunteered. However, one group stood out.

We read, “…of 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.” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Knowing What We Ought To Do

What a precious gift! It was like having 200 prophets in David’s army. These individuals would help with military strategy and warn of impeding attacks by enemy forces. They would be like school bell-ringers.

We ought to pray for this gift at individual and group level. We need modern sons of Issachar in our families, churches, societies and nations. It will help us make decisions that are in tandem with the will of God, for the good of humanity.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me understand the times I live in and the actions I need to take.