How can we know for certain what we should do in response to our times? 1 Chronicles 12:32 has been used to justify any old plan for years. But is there a way of being sure we are tracking with the will and purpose of God accurately?
32 from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;
Let's just begin by saying believers aren't 'Israel.' Yet this verse can apply to God's beloved, chosen people. So as a believer the challenge is to ask 'do you understand these times and know what believers should do?' I want to offer an observation about the political year we have all witnessed. And keep in mind the last 5 to 7 years of political revolt worldwide which has some wars still raging.
A Vote Against Rote
Yesterday Donald Trump became the next President of the United States. He won the race by outing the political system and offering what it turns out to be what more people want: freedom from the constraints and containment of a self serving government. Like all systems, eventually the 'tail wags the dog' and invisible institutional forces and tradition rules the way it carries out its business. Of course, believers know there are more invisible forces than these elements, but for now lets focus on what is actually happening before our eyes. It is significant that not many months ago Britain voted to exit the European Union for much the same reasons. So two massive nations have voted to not be part of their respective governing bodies, both citing corruption in the core constitutional practices. The people were tired of the 'machine' that churns out the same 'biscuits' no matter whose operating it.
When something happens twice we should take notice.
God's Hand in History...
When Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem it was something everyone who was listening knew would happen. Through Jeremiah, God had warned his people to turn from their idols and practice what had been instructed. They didn't so God raised up Nebuchadnezzar to make Judah a vassal nation. Subsequently Jehoakim did not understand the times and did not know what Israel should do. He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and thus against the will of God. Jehoachin also died doing this and over the rubble of Jerusalem, Zedekiah is led away blinded, to die in Babylon yet not ever seeing it - as predicted.
The Pattern Disrupted...
For someone who witnessed the three sieges of Jerusalem, it was an act of God being executed before their eyes. In the same way we must discern what God is doing today. We must understand the times and know what God's beloved people must do. What is supposed to happen is that everyone votes to keep their own lives secure, safe and prosperous. In both cases the people have voted for change even if there may be personal cost involved. When we witness the UK and USA have 'other-than' events occur politically, it can be observed that the Lord may be speaking. What we are observing is true in the spiritual realm as it is in the natural realm. When the people of the most powerful and influential countries vote to reject the corruption of governing bodies what can we say is the spiritual meaning? Simply: It's the same thing!
The Growing Remnant...
The Prophets told Israel / Judah that they are playing fast and loose with God's judgement. The Priests and leaders were sternly warned to get their act in order or... *insert details of the judgement.* Now we have had years of warning to the leaders of the church and I see that the Lord is going to give His people clarity of sight to identify corrupt systems and structures in church and vote 'out.' Who has been doing this warning? The Prophets themselves! The Apostles! And now those who are relaying their words to this generation! Just as the people have voted to opt out of overbearing government systems, so God's people will increasingly walk from the man-led churches. Now... a warning.
Is This a Leading?
When someone connects something like I have above it can be handled wrongly. For all the wrong reasons people leave their churches. For some people, the system / structured church is right for them because their faith is fragile and they would never survive outside of it. Someone once used the lyric, 'before you can swim you've got to be ok to sink.' If a believer is going to opt out of the system in MUST be God's leading or they risk injury to themselves and their families. I have seen believers opt out of the church, even because they see the corruption, but then are decimated by the enemy and the lure of this world. The reaction to a bad system and corrupt leadership is NOT a green light to 'go it alone.' I stayed in a very corrupt system for some years before it was time to be led out by God. Daniel was LED INTO a corrupt and evil regime by God, so seeing corruption is not God's leading by default. I cannot emphasise enough that we respond to God's leading and must resist reacting to the problems. That said, I do think the gap between people seeing the corruption of man-led church and God leading them out will shorten. Anyone sensing God's leading to seek Biblical ekklesia should take it very seriously.
What God Will Lead You To
Just so you know I'm not sat here with a hotline to God! I'm only taking what the Prophets said and applying it to our time. Peter told us this leads to 'wholesome thinking ( 2 pet 3:1).' In 1998 while on a trip to the east coast of Australia the Lord began accelerating my awareness that the church (and myself partying to it) was not right. I left in 2000 and was led to start a small group in homes. We simply met around a covenant meal and equal sharing as in 1 Cor 14:26. It was a re-calibration towards what 'ekklesia' was intended to be according to the New Testament. This is what the Lord will lead you to start or become part of. In doing so, man's leadership of God's people diminishes and Jesus can be the head and leader as it should be. Be ready for a time of significant transition because as I found, I was not immune to being system-ised. God is still schooling me in certain areas where the system imprinted onto my mind. I have to try hard in some areas to think freely. However, the joy and freedom of gathering with family to remember Jesus far outweighs the struggle.
And Most Important...
There are those who get so wrapped up in these issues that they take their eyes off Jesus. We can be assured that with our gaze on the risen glorified Lord, no matter what comes our way He will have His will be done and His Kingdom come. In Daniel 2 the rock not formed by human hands comes and smashes the iron and clay. This causes the collapse of every influence that the previous empires have had on this world and Jesus, the rock, will rule and reign the entire earth. Keeping our eyes on King Jesus is today's focus. Let Him lead you to understand the times and know what you should do.
Gary Ward
10/11/16
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