A FATHER IS AN ARCHER

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” ~ Psalm 127:4

REFERENCE:

Psalm 127:3-5

David paints an excellent picture relating children to arrows and a father to an archer. Children are arrows sent by their fathers to hit the mark they aim at. Blessed is the warrior with such arrows that can fly where he cannot and with the speed he does not have. Arrows don’t shoot themselves to hit a target. The success of an arrow depends on the skills of the archer.

A father is an archer. An archer must identify a specific target and shoot it. A father must be able to look at his children, discern their leanings, likes, bents, personalities, etc., and gently guide them in the direction they most fit. Let us consider what a father’s role is in the lives of his children as we study the skills of an archer. To shoot the arrow, the archer will:

1.     Point the Arrow to the Earth: While loading an arrow on a bow, the archer points it down. In case he misfires, he doesn’t want anyone hurt and can easily retrieve it. Don’t begin by pointing your children to a target; ensure you properly ‘load’ them first, connect with them, and know them. Be open and be down to earth with them. Let them be earthed or grounded like an electric circuit so they don’t electrocute themselves. Teach them to be humble.

2.     Draw the Arrow to Himself: Pull your children close. Have ‘one-on-ones’ with them; don’t be far from them. Know and love them. Let them come to your room. Enjoy their company. Let them know you care about them. Come to their level and play with them. Initiate it; remove the ‘terror line.’ An archer does all these with his hands. So, fathering is hands-on.

3.     Point the Arrow Towards Target: The archer has an objective, a bullseye for every arrow. Prayerfully discuss their career with them, informally and formally, ask what they would like to be, where they would like to go, what interests them, what they sense God’s purpose for them is…then guide them in the direction of their likes or passion, and away from distractions.

4.     Pull the Arrow Close to His Ear: Listen to your children, or someone else will listen to them. If we don’t listen to our children today, they will not listen to us tomorrow. Listening to your children communicates a sense of importance to them. It helps you to know them and what they are dealing with; it helps you to build a strong relationship with them.

We will continue tomorrow. May God open your eyes to see you raising world champions in your children. May He cover up for areas where you failed in this responsibility, in Jesus’ name.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS:

Judges 13:2-5, Judges 13:12-14, and Malachi 4:5-6

PRAYER:

+ Father, teach me to be a skilled archer to aim and shoot the arrows (children) you have given me in the direction of Your plans and purposes for them, in Jesus’ name.

+ I pray for husbands and wives around me who presently trust You to fill their quiver with arrows. God of mercy, remember and reward them with the fruit of the womb, in Jesus’ name.