Scripture reading: III John 1–4

Ready, Aim, Fire!

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! (Psalm 127:4–5)

In Psalm 127, Solomon makes a comparison between soldiers with bows and arrows and parents with children. Understanding one helps us to better understand the other. What does a warrior do with arrows?

1. He makes them READY. In Bible times, soldiers made their own arrows. The security of the nation was potentially at stake in the quality of the arrows in the quiver. Was the shaft straight and strong? Would the fletching (feathers) make for stable flight? Was the point hard and sharp? Making the arrow was both science and art. Each one was unique, custom-made for a specific mission.

Likewise, parents are called to form and shape their children. The quiver is a safe place to prepare for a dangerous mission. Developing character, building faith, nurturing relationships, and learning skills are some of the responsibilities God expects of parents. Though this work is done mostly in secret, it is vitally important that it be done well. The security of the nation is at stake.

2. He AIMS. The warrior waited for just the right moment. Timing was crucial. Placing the nock of the arrow against the bowstring, he pulled back against the tension created by the bow. Steadying his arm and fixing his gaze, he pointed the arrow in the direction he intended it to go. If his aim was poor or the target ill-conceived, all the effort of preparation would be wasted.

Parents also have a responsibility to point their children in the right direction. When parents are confused about the purpose of life, their aim will be poor. An apt description of much parenting today is contained in the couplet: I shot an arrow into the air, it fell to earth I know not where. Christian parents have a distinct advantage in that the mission for their children is clearly spelled out in God’s Word: Be holy, love the Lord, love your neighbor, make disciples, do God’s will. Aim well.

3. He FIRES. Arrows are not meant to be collected or displayed, nor are they meant to be hoarded in the quiver. They are meant to be fired. Twang! This is the purpose for arrow making and arrowing aiming. Let it go and watch it fly.

Letting go of our children is just as much a God-ordained responsibility as forming them and giving them direction. Yes, the pain of separation is great. But there is no greater joy a parent can feel than to see their children launched into the will of God so that their lives have maximum impact for good and for God. Once launched, children discover that God has equipped them with an internal guidance system that permits them to make in-flight modifications. Though mom and dad’s influence was great, now they must take full responsibility for the trajectory of their life’s path.

Get the point?

The goal of education is “to repair the ruins
of our first parents by regaining to know
God aright, and out of that knowledge
to love him, to imitate him.”
—John Milton

point to ponder • The purpose of raising children is letting them go.

prayer focus • Our children and our parents.