Even as we are still in the very early stages of this Kingdom outpouring in Cedar Rapids, Sandy and I are noticing an interesting aspect of this renewal that is specifically touching the hearts of men in our church. As a former employee of Promise Keepers (I was a Midwestern field rep for PK from 1996 to 2000) it has always blessed me when men receive a powerful touch from God, awakening them to their unique calling to live as godly husbands, fathers, and followers of Jesus.
In 1st Chronicles 12: 32, we find an absolutely amazing text about the Sons of Issachar. I won’t take the time to unfold the entire theme here (I actually have done weekend conferences on just this one verse). Suffice to say that God is raising up in this hour, men who will walk in the anointing that originated with the sons of Issachar (men caught up in the major move of God that brought all of Israel under the leadership of King David). God release upon us these two unique spiritual gifts from Issachar: 1) to fully comprehend the uniqueness of the time we live in, and 2) to know what we need to be doing during this unique time!
As I see it, God is doing just that right now through this Kingdom outpouring! Sandy and I are seeing some of the men in our church literally coming alive in front of our eyes! Scales are falling off blind eyes as men are beginning to appreciate the unique calling on their personal lives! Men are getting excited and yes, even passionate, about following Jesus with their whole heart, soul, and mind. Husbands are becoming aware of their role as servant leaders to their wives and children in their homes. Guys are getting out of their lazy-boys and are beginning to plan “holy-smoking-barbeques” that will touch ‘the least and the lost people’ who live in our church neighborhood. Men are turning on the Lakeland revival on God-TV and asking the power of God to come into their homes so all oppressive spirits of darkness will leave their children’s lives, being replaced by the sweet fragrance of Jesus! Need I say more?
It’s been said that when MEN get excited about Jesus, it must truly be a God-directed awakening, and my friends, as we see it happening before our eyes, I’m reminded of the old hymn…
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!
