CENTRAL THOUGHT
A good understanding of God’s purpose for us is very crucial.
TEXT: 1 CHRON. 12:23, 32; JER. 29:11-13; PROV.
19:21
INTRODUCTION:
In the first part of this study, we discussed the fact that time
is an important and crucial factor in life. Understanding the
times is the ability to discern the season we are in.
In the second part of this study, after the death of Saul
when David was not yet established on the throne, there
was a leadership vacuum in Israel, and everybody did was
right in their own eyes. However, the men of Issachar
understood the times and the purpose of God for Israel.
This invariably guided them in their daily lives. How this
purpose was achieved and the lessons derivable is the
focus of this study.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT WAS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR ISRAEL AT THE TIME AND HOW DID THE PEOPLE ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH DAVID TO ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE? (1 CHRON. 12:23, 38)
God’s purpose for Israel at the time was for the number of armed warriors of the different tribes of Israel to come to David at Hebron, ready to fight if necessary. They were both united and determined to make David king over Israel, just as the Lord had said. The various warriors from the tribes of Israel, namely Benjamin, Judah, Gad, and Manasseh all defected to David at Ziklag while he was hiding from Saul until he had a great army.
QUESTION 2A) DISCUSS HOW THE PEOPLE ANOINTED AND CELEBRATED DAVID’S CORONATION (2 SAM. 5:1-5; 1 CHRON. 12:38-40)
All the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron to tell him that they were his own flesh and blood. They also reminded him of how in the past, when Saul was their king, David was the one who really led the people of Israel to battle. The people also reminded David that God had told him that he would be the shepherd of His people Israel. Therefore, he was going to be their leader. “So, all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel” (2 Sam. 5:3).
All the men came in battle array to Hebron with the sole purpose of making David king over Israel. Everyone in Israel agreed that David should be their king. The people were with David three days eating and drinking because their brethren had prepared for them. Also, people as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen. There was great joy throughout the land of Israel.
QUESTION 2B) READ 1 CHRONICLES 13:1-4 AND COMMENT ON DAVID’S FIRST STEP AS KING. ANY LESSONS?
David’s first step as king was that he consulted with all his officials including the generals and captains of his army. He addressed the whole assembly of Israel and told them that if they approved and it was the will of the Lord their God, they should send messages to all the Israelites throughout the land, including the priests and Levits who were in their cities and suburbs, to invite them to come and join them. David told the people that it was time to bring back the Ark of God. All the people consented to it because they saw that it was the right thing to do.
The lessons we can learn from David’s actions are that first, we must understand the will of God and carry the people along, get their support by consulting them in making crucial decisions that will be to the benefit of all. Secondly, wherever we find ourselves, we must honor God by all means.
QUESTION 2C) WHY IS TIME SO IMPORTANT TO MAN? (PS. 90:12; ECCL. 3:1-8,17).
Time is very important to man because the span of our time here on earth is limited. It is only God that knows how long each one will spend on earth. It then moves us to ask God to teach us to number our days so we can apply our hearts unto wisdom. Again, we know that “to everything there is a season and time to every purpose under the heaven “(Eccl. 3:1). We must apply our time wisely in all we do. Any time lost can never be recovered. We must make judicious use of our time as time and tide wait for no one.
QUESTION 3A) HOW CAN WE DISCOVER GOD’S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES? (Ps. 25:4-5, 119:105; Prov. 11:14; 20:18).
We can discover God’s purpose for our lives through the study of the Word of God and applying it in our daily lives. When we study the Word of God, it will show us Gods ways and teach the right paths to follow. The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
As we grow in the knowledge of the Word of God, we will receive His counsel on how to navigate through life because in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. It is also through the help and the leading of the Holy Spirit that we can discover God’s purpose for our lives. “Every purpose is established by counsel” (Prob. 20:18).
QUESTION 3B) HOW CAN WE RESPOND AND FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES?
(ISA. 6:8; MATT. 6:33; ACTS 26:19).
We can respond and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives by submitting the totality of our lives to God. We can only achieve this by being attentive to the voice of God and taking heed to His call to hear and know what He wants to do at any point in time. We must first be concerned about the kingdom of God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6:33). We must be obedient to the voice of God.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
God has a purpose for each and every one of us. None of us is here on earth by accident. We must order our lives in accordance with the purpose of God for us. Anyone whose life does not fit into the purpose of God has missed it completely. The sons of Issachar presented a good example for us to follow. May our eyes be opened to understand the plans of God and may God give us the grace to pattern our lives according to His purpose.
MEMORY VERSE:
PROV. 19:21
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”