Discernment Through Abiding: The Anointing of Issachar
We live in an age of noise—endless scrolling, competing voices, and algorithms designed to shape our desires. In a culture drowning in distraction, discernment is not optional. It is essential.
“It’s not more time you’re lacking—it’s greater focus. In today’s distracted culture, focus is the real currency. The most prosperous people are those who have learned to master their attention and command their focus.”
Discernment is the gift that allows us to see clearly when the world is in chaos. And here’s the key: discernment is not given randomly or sporadically. It flows directly from abiding in Christ. If we abide in Him, our eyes sharpen. If His Word abides in us, we begin to perceive what others miss.
What Is Discernment?
Biblically defined, discernment is the Spirit-enabled capacity to perceive, distinguish, and judge rightly between truth and error, good and evil, the voice of God and the voices of flesh or demons, and to align one’s life with the will of God.
It is both:
A discipline of maturity — cultivated through abiding in Christ and saturating ourselves in Scripture (Hebrews 5:14; Romans 12:2; Proverbs 2:6).
A gift of the Spirit — supernaturally imparted to detect the source of spiritual activity, whether divine, human, or demonic (1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1).
Discernment allows believers to:
See with clarity beyond appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).
Test and approve what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).
Guard the church from deception and false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 7:15–20).
Navigate the times and seasons with prophetic understanding (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Discernment and Wisdom: A Partnership
Discernment and wisdom work hand in hand.
Discernment → diagnosis. What is really happening here? What spirit is at work?
Wisdom → prescription. How do I respond? What’s the right course of action?
Discernment reads the season, situation, or spirit. Wisdom knows the appropriate response. This is exactly what set Issachar apart: they didn’t just know what time it was—they knew what Israel ought to do.
The Gift of Discerning Spirits
Paul identifies discernment of spirits as one of the nine spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:10). This gift empowers believers to distinguish between:
The activity of the Holy Spirit (is this God?).
The influence of the human spirit (is this just ambition or emotion?).
The work of demonic spirits (is there deception, manipulation, or oppression?).
Example: In Acts 16:16–18, Paul discerned the spirit of divination behind the slave girl. Everything looked “spiritual” on the surface, but discernment revealed the true source.
Without this gift, the church is vulnerable. With it, the church is protected, purified, and empowered.
Who Was Issachar?
Issachar was Jacob’s ninth son, Leah’s fifth. His name means “there is reward.”
The tribe of Issachar was known for:
Mighty men of valor — loyal and courageous.
Perceptive strategists — mission-minded counselors behind the scenes.
Scholars of the Word — interpreters of Scripture, trained in the Law.
Issachar & Zebulon
Jewish tradition says Issachar devoted themselves to study while Zebulun supported them financially. This reveals a prophetic pattern: provision and revelation walk together.
The Symbol of Issachar: The Donkey
Jacob prophesied over Issachar in Genesis 49:14–15: “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens.”
Why a donkey? Because donkeys are:
Stronger pound-for-pound than horses.
Intelligent, steady, not easily startled.
Loyal burden-bearers, patient and enduring.
Jesus Himself chose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9)—a humble, underestimated animal that carried the presence of the King. Issachar is like that donkey: not flashy, but strategic, steady, and essential.
Lessons from Issachar
Don’t be unstable or chase every new teaching.
Don’t be vengeful—walk in patience and kindness.
Be steady in the face of distraction.
Speak encouragement.
Act quickly to do good.
Aim at the real enemy, not your brothers.
Walk with dignity.
This is the Issachar character. This is the fruit of abiding.
Abiding: The Source of Discernment
Jesus said: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
And John affirmed: “The anointing you received from him abides in you… and teaches you about all things” (1 John 2:27).
Discernment isn’t learned in a classroom—it’s cultivated in the secret place.
When we cut distractions (media blackouts, tech fasts, fasting), we sharpen our spiritual senses. The closer we abide, the clearer we see.
Issachar and the 12 Systems of the World
God has given a prophetic blueprint of 12 systems that shape the world:
Governmental
Technological
Astronomical
Defense/Military
Economic
Cultural
Educational
Medical
Social
Scientific
Environmental
Spiritual
Where Issachar fits:
Educational System (primary): Issachar embodies the call to study, discern, and teach—interpreting both Scripture and culture.
Spiritual System (secondary): Issachar discerns God’s timing and aligns the church with heaven’s calendar.
Governmental System (tertiary): Issachar’s counsel shaped Israel’s political direction and advised kings.
The Call to the Church Today
God is raising up an Issachar people in this generation:
Scholars of the Word who can interpret truth in an age of deception.
Prophetic discerners who can see times and seasons clearly.
Strategic advisors who can counsel leaders and nations.
We need discernment now more than ever:
To guard against deception.
To navigate cultural confusion.
To prepare with wisdom for what’s coming.
Conclusion: Take the Mantle of Issachar
Discernment is not just about spotting what’s wrong—it’s about knowing what to do next.
The Issachar anointing calls us to abide in Christ, discern with clarity, and advise with wisdom.