Shooting Arms

Today's Verse:

And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth. ~1 Samuel 20:21 

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The invention of the arrow was perhaps one of the greatest inventions ever. An arrow is a projectile weapon with a sharp edge. When shot from a reliable bow, the arrow travels at a very fast speed and is capable of inflicting major damage to its intended target. The use of the arrow in hunting was invaluable for reaching intended game from a distance. The use of the arrow as a weapon of war was considered the upper hand for the one who used it. In our devotion this morning, Jonathan used arrows to relay a message to David. Jonathan told a young lad, “Go, find out the arrows.”  This morning, let us consider the thought, “Where are you shooting your arrows?” 

There are the arrows of our dreams. 

“And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the LORD liveth.” What are your goals and dreams of your life? What target are you aiming the arrow of your dreams? Jonathan told a lad, “Go, find out the arrows.” The target we aim at determines where the arrows will fall. I want to encourage you this morning about the arrow of your dreams. First, aim your arrows towards Heaven. Decide today that your goals are centered on the kingdom of God. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Second, aim your arrows high. Set goals that require prayer and faith. Set goals that require planning and action. Paul said in Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

There are the arrows of our direction. 

“As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth” (Psalm 127:4). What direction and target are you aiming for those you have influence over? Arrows in the hand of a mighty man refers to a man skilled in using the bow and arrow. He has shot many arrows before. He has the strength to pull the arrow far back so that it will attain the needed velocity to solidly hit its mark. First, what direction are we aiming our children towards? When we aim to raise them to be successful secularly, we think that their success is up to us. When we aim to raise them to be successful spiritually, we realize that success is dependent upon the Lord. Second, what direction are we aiming for the people we have spiritual influence over, such as Sunday School, Bible studies, discipleship, and other spiritual activities? We must have a 2 Timothy 2:2 philosophy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Our spiritual influence is to get people closer to God! Our spiritual influence is to produce strong disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ! 

There is the arrow of our dialogue. 

“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words” (Psalm 64:3). The words that come out of our mouth are like arrows or projectiles being shot forth. Just as an arrow that hits its target can do serious damage, careless and carnal words shot from our mouth can do serious damage. Bitter words defile many! They lead to division, hurt feelings, anger, hatred and even physical retaliation. What kind of words are you shooting from your mouth? 

Jonathan told the lad, “Go, find out the arrows”! Be careful to know where your arrows are landing. Be careful to know what target is being hit. Be careful to know if you missed or hit your mark. 

Have a focused God Morning! 

Bible Reading Schedule: Nehemiah 7

#1Samuel #Arrows