Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord , The fruit of the womb a reward. ‘Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. ‘How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies [in gatherings] at the [city] gate.’ Psalm 127:3-5 (Amp)
This passage is mostly used when talking about children, but the complete passage talked about the arrows (children) as well as the warrior/ archer (Parents). We cannot talk about an arrow without a bow and better still without an archer, because an arrow is useless without the other two.
Activity 1: pray for someone you know that is waiting on God for the fruit of the womb, that they will receive this gift speedily in Jesus name. Exo 23:26
The usefulness of an arrow is in hitting a desired target, this cannot be effectively achieved without a skillful archer, this is synonymous to giving a tennis ball to a golfer. No matter how sharp an arrow is, it’s potential will always be limited by the skill of the person shooting it.
Going back to our bible passage, the bible described children as gifts from God, they are put in our custody by their maker, to care for, tend and groom, every child needs to understand that they are from God, but in the custody of parents. These arrows are created for specific targets, and they come with specific instructions from their manufacturer Jer 1:5. God’s plan for these arrows are good and not evil, the target is always something great, that gives glory to God and advances His kingdom Jer 29:11
God expects that the archer in custody of these arrows develop the required skills to direct the arrow to the God ordained target, so we cannot ignore that part of the warrior in our bible passage. Psalm 127:5
Children are the arrows, they need to be kept sharp so that when they hit the target, they are able to cause desired effect Prov 22:6. They also need to remain in the direction of the target in order to fulfil purpose Prov 22:6, 2Tim 3:15. The world we live in makes dusts that blunts arrows and will attempt to keep them blunt. Also, winds will blow in attempt to change their course away from target.
Parents are the warrior, we need to know the instruction that comes with the arrows entrusted into our care and then develop necessary skills to be able to direct them to their target. For instance, Mary was given specific instructions about the baby she was to conceive, same for Samson’s parents who were given specific instructions about their unborn child. Luke 1:30-33, Judges 13:3-5.
Activity 2: What do we do as arrows and archers to ensure these things? Discuss using the bible characters below.
Examples are used to communicate principles, let us see scriptural examples that reflects arrows (child/children) with specific targets and warrior (parents) that ensured they fulfilled this purpose or did contrary:
- Samuel. 1Sam 1:10 . 1Sam 1:22-24. 1Sam 3:19-21.
- Timothy. 2Tim1:5
- Jesus Christ. Luke 1:30-33, Luke 2:41-43
- Samson. Judges 13:3-5
Benefits of sharp arrow in the hands of skillful archer Psalm 127:5
- Joy to God and the archer (Parent)
- Glory to God
- Fulfilment of God ordained purpose
Reflection:
Do you understand the role of parents as archers?
Do you understand the role of children as arrows?
What must you do to keep the arrows sharp and win the battle against raising Godly children?
Family circle:
Pray for wisdom and the right strategy to target your arrows.
Pray for each arrow you have been blessed with asking God to keep them sharp and useful for His glory.
Raising Godly Children 
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