Breakthrough Issachar annointing pt. 2
Christina Sturgeon
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. 1 Chron. 12:32
Issachar had understanding of times meaning they were senstive to God’s direction. They had insight into the things of God, they had supernatural knowledge and wisdom in their DNA.
Have you read part 1 of the Issachar anointing?
Character Developed
As we discussed in part 1, the Issachar anointing is found in those who are willing to be “burden bearers”, intercessors, servants in the sense of being like a “strong donkey” .
The understanding of times and seasons, willingness to be a burden bearers, and sensitivity to things of God are some of the primary attributes we read about this tribe in the Bible.
Issachar Warriors
1 Chron. 7:5 reads ;” And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand. ( 87,000)
They were brave, valiant, mighty warriors! This tribe marched to the beat of a different drum per their prophetic DNA. Those with an issachar anointing must be strong in battle, being ready to stand against the enemy! They had to be strong in character and faith so that they could remain sensitive to the things of God and not waiver.
Issachar Rejections
When you are different than those around you, things are not always easy in life. You must be strong in knowing who you are as well as why you believe the way you do, as others may question or not understand you. God may require different levels of obedience from His “Issachars”. Often times these are rejected by those who do not understand this anointing.
Calling to Worship
About Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out,
and you, Issachar, in your tents.
They will summon peoples to the mountain
and there offer the sacrifices of the righteous;
they will feast on the abundance of the seas,
on the treasures hidden in the sand.”
The Issachar annointing calls other to the mountain. Meaning these carry a strong desire to draw others nearer to God through praise, worship and offerings.
Through understanding
There is a time and purpose to everything under heaven according to Ecclesiastes 3. If we want to be PRECISE and stay in rhythm with what Heaven is bringing to the earth, understanding God’s times and seasons is important.
God’s calendar is circular, He often moves in cycles. For much of the world the calender is linear. We have all heard the saying that “history repeats itself” and it is true, history does repeat itself, because time is circular.
Set times
Seasons of breakthroughs can be sought after and recieved effectively during times when God has brought breakthroughs in times past. Much of the world understands holidays, yet lack in understanding of God’s set times of favor, breakthrough, prosperity, and deliverance.
These “set times” coincide with God’s Holy Days, or often found on Feast Days throughout the Word of God.
Jesus Said
And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is. And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time? Luke 12:54-56
God desires that His people have an understanding of the times spiritually. He wants us to be able to walk in close intimacy that we know the signs of the times.
Differing Convictions
As we approach Good Friday many will turn their hearts to praise and Thanksgiving to Jesus Christ for giving His life for them. On Resurrection Day, commonly called ‘Easter’ by many, we will celebrate resurrection life! Many will have RENEWED faith to arise in their own life, feeling stirred by the “set time” of resurrection they are celebrating.
There are other “set times” as well that are not as commonly celebrated because unfortuanately they are not marked on our gregorian calendar in the same way.
Holidays/Holy Days
For example the Day of Pentacost, the first biblical recording of God pouring out His Spirit on human beings. Do we know what day, or season to turn our hearts toward believing for the OUTPOURING of His Spirit like we do the Resurrection?
The ANOINTING of Issachar causes one to “know” and search out these times and seasons and in turn “know what man ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32)
Passover is the upcoming “holyday” that some will celebrate while others begin their Easter celebrations the “holiday”.
What matters is our hearts and our studying to show ourselves approved before God. To be disciples means we follow and do as JESUS , our prime example did. Jesus is recorded as having celebrated many holy days throughout the Word, including Passover.
We also all want God’s blessings and breakthroughs in our lives. We do not have to observe these days in a ritualistic way, but rather can observe simply by being mindful in our hearts and prayers.
Heart Matters
Jesus, our ” Passover Lamb” celebrated Passover (Lk. 2:41, 22:15,16)
For I have given you an example , that you should do as I have done to you … If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them ” (Jn 13:15-17).
I am not dogmatic about these holy days versus holidays as some are, however I do hold to the principle that God has “set times” and He looks upon our hearts.
There has been a great increase in believers observing HOLY days rather than holidays, but I have seen numerous believers slander and condemn those who believe differently. This is not the first commandment that Jesus gave to love.
Sabbath
Issachar is a strong donkey crouching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the land was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a SERVANT unto tribute. (Gen. 49:14-15)
Many are required by God as an act of obedience to observe a cycle of sabbath rest, called shabbat shalom (meaning sabbath rest/peace). Not all are convicted of this, but some are. Just as not all hold any conviction concerning holidays or holy days but some do. We should each give room for one another to be at LIBERTY, yet not become a stumbling block in such matters. Liberty both directions! What we eat, what we observe as Certain days should not be forced, shoved, nor required to be hidden. Honor amongst all!
Closing Thoughts
The Issachar annointing carries a unity drawing within it. They were a tribe, a family. In western culture today, many within the church makes no room for celebrating the various gifts that God has given to the local church. There is a silent conformity within the members. Only one way seems right to the governing body and therefore any anointing or cluster outside those uniform customs is made to be silenced.
God has in fact given the members as gifts to the body, each one having a unique place to function. Finding that place to function can be difficult within the local Body of believers, but I encourage you to do this as unto the Lord. Trust in Him to make a way where there seems to be no way and do not let any enemy stop you from taking your rightful place. Submit to your spiritual authority and the order of your local church house as this is PLEASING and obedience before the Lord.
Are you an Issachar?
If you carry the Issachar anointing, remember their brethren were at their command. In other words what they carried was needed! Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might! You were made for this and for such a time as this. Know when to speak and when to be silent! God blesses His Valiant Warriors as they draw from the abundance of seas, hang in there and be brave!
More Scripture on Times and Seasons