GOD PERFECTS DESTINIES OF CHILDREN

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

GOD PERFECTS DESTINIES of CHILDREN: “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth” (v.4). We’ve seen that God perfects destinies from the womb; and He perfects the destinies of Youth. But childhood is the beginning of youth; the child grows into the youth. God has a big Heart for children and their destinies.

This is aptly reflected in Jesus’ attitude to children: “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mk.10: 14-16). God calls us to care for children and not send them away as inconsequential. Children are valuable to Him!

In many cultures around the world, contrary to God’s Word, children are often abused and abandoned, sold for profit into the sex industry or as slaves to work in appalling conditions. We do well to follow Jesus’ example, using every opportunity to show the children that they are valuable to us and to God: “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (v.4-5). The child is like an arrow – a weapon! Arrows are not meant to be left idle in the quiver. Children, like arrows are ‘crafted’ and released to make an impact on the world with the love of Christ. Children are what we make them; and they go the way we aim them!

An effective arrow has a shaft, fletching (feathers), nock, and a point. If all of these four are made well, the result is a potent arrow, beautifully designed for impact. Every other part of the arrow must attach to the shaft, which represents the child’s identity. A straight and strong shaft guarantees dynamic flight in life. Every person is born with a unique, divinely-imprinted identity, and parents are to properly guide their children to acknowledge God’s unique design of their spiritual, emotional, and sexual identity. The child must know: “I am made in the image of God. I have a unique identity. I am a valuable child.”

The arrow’s feathers or fletching stabilises it in flight. This stands for character: an arrow without good fletching is undependable and dangerous. Character development is a major parental assignment: training the child to submit to God and His Word. This is vital to the fulfilment of destinies: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Pro.22:6).

The nock is the groove at the rear of the shaft into which the bowstring fits. It keeps the arrow in place on the string until the power is released. All of the pent-up power in a bow is worthless if it cannot be effectively transferred. The nock represents relationships in a child’s life. No human being was intended to make a journey through life alone. We need the comfort, encouragement, strength, resources, and power provided by God and others. Teaching truth without a relationship produces rebellion; while relationships without truth can result in a spoiled and self-indulgent personality.

The arrow’s point – the finishing touch of its frontend – represents life’s purpose, mission, driving passion or calling that provides meaning and impact. Every child should be helped to understand that life’s mission is hinged on a dynamic relationship with God that overflows in love to other people. Everything else is only a prop to facilitating this mission. The Lord will perfect the destinies of our children as He enables us to correctly nurture their identity, character, relationships, and life’s mission!