DAY 16 - Arrows

Scripture Reading — Psalm 127:3-5

Parents sometimes compare their child to a teddy bear or a princess. But have you ever heard of children compared to arrows, as in Psalm 127? 

Our children are arrows in a battle. They’re not intended to stay in the quiver. Rather, they are to be released, to be sent out into the culture, to be sent out into our world to pierce and to penetrate the world around us. This psalm gives us a wake-up call in the way that we raise our children. We must have an ­urgency in training our children to use their talents and gifts to do what is right and to live by the ways of the Lord, who “builds the house” (Psalm 127:1)—and that can refer to our household of family members as well as to the household of faith (the Lord’s church).

The imagery of children as arrows is also instructive. Children need to be properly prepared. They need much shaping and guidance to become adults who love and fear God. Like arrows, they must be skillfully shaped (faithfully discipled), guided with strength (subjected to wise parental control), carefully formed to fly straight (taught morality and good sense), and aimed with purpose (given clear direction).

Each of us can make an impact in the lives of young people. When it comes to the young people, what kind of difference can you make—not only now but also for future generations?

Equip us, Lord, to train up children in the way they should go, for your sake, from one generation to the next. Amen.