The Artisan Post

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!”

A quote from an ancient Psalm.

In ancient warfare, archers were of huge importance. Their skill at being able to shoot arrows accurately at the enemy from afar was paramount to battle advancement.

Perhaps with children being born in one’s youth, there is an element of being able to function alongside them. In our younger (and stronger) years, my wife and I had 6 children. We married young with one of our desires to have children in our younger years, and, while still young, do things with them. I always remember a high school friend, whose parents were too old to do much with him.

We had hoped this would not be us.

So there we were, 6 children born while we were in our 20’s and 30’s. And let me tell you, my wife was a trooper and took the brunt of the work in having babies.

And I was there for every one of their births.

And we did do a lot with our children. Today, most of them are “shot forth” from our home.

Which brings us to today.

“Like arrows…” Children are compared to arrows in the hands of a warrior. Does this mean children are like implements of warfare?

Yes. But maybe not quite as you think. In the context of the psalm this is written in, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

It is children who are brought into this world by God’s direction and plan who become the God-glorifying legacy of parents who honour God and raise their children in His Name.

“Like arrows” shot out into this world — not necessarily to protect Mom and Dad, although that is included — children are shot out into this world as an integral part of the battle action of God’s plan. And His plan includes glorification of His Name in seeing evil defeated, and His love and grace put on display.

Parents, the warning is for us to “train up a child in the way he or she would go”, and children, for you to respond in faith and literally soar in the ways of the LORD, being shot forth from a godly home.

And through it all we experience God’s “building of the house”. It is God who gives children. “Unless the LORD builds the house those who build it labour in vain.” And the psalm continues, “unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.” Ultimately the battle is the LORD’S. It is His kingdom house He is building. No matter the keenness of the watchman or the strength of the warrior, it is God who has won the ultimate battle against evil in the saving work of His Son, Jesus Christ.

All subsequent battles are already won in Jesus.

Our part today is that we must remember we are strategically positioned by God in families to further His kingdom. As one generation ages, the next grows up to carry on.

Children, you are “Like arrows” being shot out of your home soaring out into the world, becoming those who advance God’s kingdom of grace and truth wherever you land. And by advancing His kingdom you wreak havoc on the enemy. You become those arrows shot accurately into enemy territory.