Heroes: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistrySample

LEADERSHIP: THE MEN OF ISSACHAR

What qualities do you want to see in your leaders? Honesty? Financial integrity? Marital faithfulness? Loyalty? Yes, all of these and more.

But among my top heroes are the two hundred or so officers that the tribe of Issachar provided for King David's armed forces. The census for each of the other tribes' military presence lists many thousands of skilled fighters who came to David's side. But this tribe's contribution was in a class by itself – only the officers are mentioned: "These are the numbers of the men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron . . . men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do – 200 chiefs" (1 Chronicles 12:23,32).

Of all the things I value in my spiritual leaders, I look for Issachar-type abilities: the sharpness of mind to understand the times, to know the American people of today, to feel their pulse, learn their language, grasp their technology, know their needs, get their messages.

Great leaders also know what to do. They survey all the different tracks the train could run on and choose one. Great leaders articulate a plan and inspire the troops to volunteer, knowing that resources from God will follow whenever the mission is His.