courage for the times: Becoming people of issachar
Pastor Frank Park | Founding and Senior Pastor
“From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” - 1 Chronicles
There is a quiet but powerful line tucked into the story of David’s rise to the throne. Among the warriors, commanders, and armies who gathered around David were the men of Issachar. They are not described by their strength, weapons, or battle victories. Instead, Scripture highlights something even more rare. They understood the times and knew what to do.
In moments when nations shift, cultures drift, and people grow uncertain, God raises up people like this.
People of discernment.
People of conviction.
People of courage.
And today, more than ever, the church needs men and women of Issachar.
Understanding the Times
The men of Issachar were not naive about the world around them. They saw clearly what was happening in Israel. They understood the spiritual climate, the political moment, and the direction of the nation. Discernment begins with clarity. Many people today either panic about culture or ignore it altogether. But followers of Christ are called to something deeper: spiritual discernment.
We do not interpret the world primarily through news cycles or social media. We interpret the world through the Word of God. Biblical literacy sharpens spiritual sight. When Scripture fills our minds, confusion begins to fade. We start to see clearly what is true, what is false, and what truly matters. People of Issachar read the times through the lens of God’s truth. That we as God’s people would glance at the news and gaze into the Word of God.
Knowing What To Do
Discernment without action is not courage. The men of Issachar didn’t just analyze the moment - they acted on it. They knew that David was God’s chosen king, and they aligned themselves with God’s purposes. This is where cultural courage comes in.
It takes courage today to live differently.
It takes courage to stand on biblical truth.
It takes courage to lead families, churches, and communities toward Christ when the culture pulls the opposite direction.
But courage is not loud arrogance or angry reaction.
Biblical courage is clear conviction rooted in humble obedience.
The Call for Today
Our moment in history desperately needs people like Issachar.
Cultural Courage: Not shrinking back from truth, but standing with grace and conviction.
Biblical Literacy: Knowing the Scriptures deeply so we can navigate confusion wisely.
Spiritual Vibrancy: Not cold religion, but lives filled with prayer, worship, and the presence of God.
Discernment: Seeing clearly what is happening in the world and responding in faith.
When these qualities come together, something powerful happens. Ordinary believers become steady voices in chaotic times.
There is a quiet but powerful line tucked into the story of David’s rise to the throne. Among the warriors, commanders, and armies who gathered around David were the men of Issachar. They are not described by their strength, weapons, or battle victories. Instead, Scripture highlights something even more rare. They understood the times and knew what to do.
In moments when nations shift, cultures drift, and people grow uncertain, God raises up people like this.
People of discernment.
People of conviction.
People of courage.
And today, more than ever, the church needs men and women of Issachar.
Understanding the Times
The men of Issachar were not naive about the world around them. They saw clearly what was happening in Israel. They understood the spiritual climate, the political moment, and the direction of the nation. Discernment begins with clarity. Many people today either panic about culture or ignore it altogether. But followers of Christ are called to something deeper: spiritual discernment.
We do not interpret the world primarily through news cycles or social media. We interpret the world through the Word of God. Biblical literacy sharpens spiritual sight. When Scripture fills our minds, confusion begins to fade. We start to see clearly what is true, what is false, and what truly matters. People of Issachar read the times through the lens of God’s truth. That we as God’s people would glance at the news and gaze into the Word of God.
Knowing What To Do
Discernment without action is not courage. The men of Issachar didn’t just analyze the moment - they acted on it. They knew that David was God’s chosen king, and they aligned themselves with God’s purposes. This is where cultural courage comes in.
It takes courage today to live differently.
It takes courage to stand on biblical truth.
It takes courage to lead families, churches, and communities toward Christ when the culture pulls the opposite direction.
But courage is not loud arrogance or angry reaction.
Biblical courage is clear conviction rooted in humble obedience.
The Call for Today
Our moment in history desperately needs people like Issachar.
Cultural Courage: Not shrinking back from truth, but standing with grace and conviction.
Biblical Literacy: Knowing the Scriptures deeply so we can navigate confusion wisely.
Spiritual Vibrancy: Not cold religion, but lives filled with prayer, worship, and the presence of God.
Discernment: Seeing clearly what is happening in the world and responding in faith.
When these qualities come together, something powerful happens. Ordinary believers become steady voices in chaotic times.