Introduction
The Scriptures describe a fierce band of warriors, known for their awesome exploits in battle. They rallied to David’s support when he was on the run from King Saul and continued in his service when he became King. Some of them were members of David’s family. Many more were ruffians, mercenaries, and outsiders to Israel. The Scripture describes them as “everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him.” (1 Samuel 22:2)
And of that four hundred, there were 37 who distinguished themselves and who were simply called David’s Mighty Men.
Text: 2 Samuel 23:8-23
We read about these exploits, and it gives us a certain picture of manhood. Strength. Courage. Loyalty.
Meanwhile, David taking refuge in the cave of Addulam was fighting a different kind of battle. A battle of faith. He wrote these words, found in Psalm 57, even with his mighty men stationed around him.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy,
for in You my soul takes refuge.
In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter
until the danger has passed.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
He reaches down from heaven and saves me;
He rebukes those who trample me.
David’s spiritual strategy was His personal relationship with the living God.
• He had his plans. He had his assets. But His trust was not in either.
All of you brothers are mighty men of God because the almighty Spirit of the living God lives inside you.
It takes strength, courage, and loyalty to be a godly man and a godly father in these times.
But our battle is not against flesh and blood. We have an enemy we can’t even see. Therefore, we need supernatural weapons.
In his letter to the Ephesians 6 – Paul uses the imagery of a warrior-Christian, putting on the full armor of God, the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith.
And it creates a different kind of warrior.
2 Corinthians 11:24-27 – A description of Paul’s tremendous trials. “And I’m still standing.”
–How – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
The Apostles’ Courage – Acts 5 – They left rejoicing.
And we are not mighty men of our own might or by our own skill. We are instructed to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
We experience the strength of the Lord through our relationship with the Lord.
He gives us His strength. He gives us His courage. We are victorious by both conquest and by perseverance. God gives both.
Therefore remember…
• The Lord loves you more than you could imagine.
• He is with you at all times. He is for you at all times.
• He wants you to involve Him in every aspect of your family life.
• You are not going to be everything your kids need.
• You are not going to be able to meet all their needs.
• You’re not always going to get it right.
• There are holes and gaps in your parenting. But those are there so God can fill them. Those are there to help your children feel their need for God.
• Your desire to be a good dad is not lost upon God; He wants that for you, too.
• Your own relationship with the Lord is more instructional than all the lectures and lessons you think you need to give.
• There are no guarantees that the results you want are the results you’re going to get, but God’s plans are always better and your faith in Him is never wasted.
It’s not about the size of our muscles, our strength or our skill. It is about the simplicity and sincerity of our faith.
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