Are You On God’s Side?

There is a captivating truth that is relevant for us today given in 1 Chron. 12:32 – “Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do – 200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”

Saul had died in battle. David had been anointed king over Judah at Hebron. However, Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was still king over the rest of Israel. 1 Chron. 12:23-37 lists men from the various tribes who rallied to David at Hebron to turn the whole kingdom over to him. Most of them were described as brave warriors skilled in battle.

The men of Issachar stood out from the pack. They were wise, courageous and united. They were men who knew how to discern the times, interpret the signs and do the right thing at the right time. They knew that the Lord had given the kingdom to David, and now that Saul was history, that that was the right time to act. They discerned God’s plan and chose to take part in it.

Fast forward to the time of Jesus. Listen to Jesus speaking to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret the present time?” (Luke 12:54–56)

Water vapour rising up from the Mediterranean in the west would cause rain. Scorching air blowing in from the deserts in the south would contribute to sweltering heat. The Jews were religious and also intelligent people who understood prophecy and could interpret the signs of the time.

But when Jesus was born, they failed to recognise Him as the Messiah, although there were all the “signs” that He was the One in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Israel recognised David who was Christ’s precursor, but when Christ was born, Israel was blind.

Fast forward again to our day. What “signs” are we given? Do we read the message? Do we believe that the mandate for world mission is not left in the hands of the West but that God has raised up many Asian countries with strong churches? These countries have prospered materially and are blessed with talented, skilled and gifted people.

Do we realise that Malaysia, now being the destination of multitudes of foreign students and workers, is not only a mission field but also has become a field for world mission?

Are we aware that the Lord has raised up Malaysia and that this is our prophetic opportunity to engage in effective evangelism, missions and nation building? We must not be complacent and contented with what we have and are doing. We must take advantage of God’s blessings on our economy and affluence to advance the Kingdom of God.

Let us learn from the mistakes of the religious Jews and not be blinded with regard to biblical admonishment and prophecy. God is working. Are we willing to be His co-workers?

During American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln was told, “God is on our side.” He replied, “We trust, sir, that God is on our side. It is more important to know that we are on God’s side.”

Are you on God’s side?