by Dr. James Porch
Frequently, a surge of hope rushes into my life and passes my abiding expectations with an element of serendipity. The word of Persian origin, born in the writings of Horace Walpole, finally gained legitimacy into both Funk and Wagnall’s and Webster’s Dictionary.
The testy term, coined from a fairy tale “The Three Princes of Serendip,” alludes to experiencing desirable, exciting, favorable discoveries unsought and unexpected.
Our Heavenly Father does arrive on His time with His load of hope, and often in unexpected ways.
An often overlooked Old Testament reference describing the military ability of the tribe of Issachar assuredly affirms this conclusion.
These warriors, quite possibly progenitors of our Southern “good ole boys,” came from an original tribe of Israel named for one of Jacob’s sons born to Leah.
The nomadic family, one of 12 to escape Egypt under Moses’ shepherding, maintained vigilance and readiness to fight the oppressors of God’s chosen people.
Once the nation left Mount Sinai, the tribe took up a flanking position to the left of the tribe of Judah and the Ark of the Covenant. Consistently responsive to opportunities to assist in the Exodus trip, the heritage of the tribe extended even into the time of King David.
A general call for military aid prompted the warriors of Issachar to join the other tribes at Hebron, “to turn the Kingdom of Saul to him (David)” (1 Chronicles 12: 23).
Reflecting upon the arrival of the allies, the chronicler wrote, “All came (including Issachar) with a perfect heart to make David King over all Israel, all of one mind” (verse 38).
While the record emphasizes the fighting strength of each tribe, only Issachar received a commendation with unexpected hope, “… the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Such a serendipity announced the wedding of reality and readiness to respond. Evidently, these boys came to Hebron to bear hope beyond fighting strength. As I have born witness before, Father God’s name includes surprise.
