Wake Up the Mighty Men

In families where only the woman serves God, 17% of the time the children will follow in the faith. But in families where the man serves God along with the woman, 93% of the time the children will follow Jesus Christ. That’s why Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Joel 3:9, "Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, Let all of the men of war draw near, Let them come up".

Ninety percent of the men in the United States say that they believe in God, 90%. Five out of six refer to themselves as Christians. But actually, only 35% of the men in the United States go to church on a regular basis with their wives. That means that only one out of five women has their husband with them in church on an average Sunday in America.

There's a disconnect between men and church. And what's amazing is this is not true in other religions. Men outnumber women in the Buddhist religion. Men outnumber women in the Hindu religion. Men greatly outnumber women in the Islamic faith. Only in the Christian faith do women outnumber men in the church. What's going on? There is an absence of men in the church, real men. Somehow there's a disconnect between men and wanting to be in church.

Mighty Men: Who Were They?

1 Samuel 22:1 NKJV

David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.

1 Samuel 22:2 NKJV

And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

What Changed? They Mighty Man within them was awakened!

2 Samuel 23:8 NKJV

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.

2 Samuel 23:9 NKJV

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated.

2 Samuel 23:10 NKJV

He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

2 Samuel 23:11 NKJV

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines.

2 Samuel 23:12 NKJV

But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

1. From Cowardly to Courageous

2. From Distressed to Disciplined

3. From Interested (Discontent) to Committed

4. From Dishonorable to giving Honor

2 Samuel 23:13 NKJV

Then three of the thirty chief men went down at harvest time and came to David at the cave of Adullam. And the troop of Philistines encamped in the Valley of Rephaim.

2 Samuel 23:14 NKJV

David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

2 Samuel 23:15 NKJV

And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”

2 Samuel 23:16 NKJV

So the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord.

Our faith is adventurous! It’s about taking risks, trusting God, being watchmen and fierce leaders. Jesus preached, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). Faith means guts! Faith means walking on water. Faith means slaying a giant with a small stone. Faith means fearlessness! And the Lord says, “Wake up the mighty men.” We need you. Your family needs you and you have a place and a role to play in the 21st century church!”

1. What is God saying to you?

2. What are you going to do about it?

3. How can i pray for you today?