The Master Arrowsmith - by Keith Carnahan If you enjoy archery, you understand the importance of proper arrow flight. Most people depend upon the experts to build their arrows, but a few of us enjoy doing the work ourselves. Just recently, I have begun crafting my own arrows; and I have learned to make my arrows fly true. I have learned some valuable spiritual lessons as well. God's Polished Shaft In Isaiah 49:2, the Bible says, "He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me." It is clear from the context of this chapter that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is God's "polished shaft." In the Bible, God often describes Himself as an archer. Here, He describes Himself as an arrowsmith. God's Arrow of Judgment The first time God sent Jesus Christ into the world, He came to die on the cross, paying the penalty of our sin: "...Christ died for us..." (Romans 5:8). God raised Jesus from the dead, and He is now seated at the right hand of God. The next time Jesus comes to the earth, He will come as the arrow of God's judgment. Zechariah 9:14 says, "...his arrow shall go forth as the lightning..." (See also Matthew 24:27.) God, the Master Arrowsmith We can only be saved from this judgment by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour: "...as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..." (John 1:12). Once we are saved, it is God's desire that every Christian be "...conformed to the image of his Son..." (Romans 8:29). As an arrowsmith builds an arrow, so God builds Christians. An Arrow Must Be Straight Only Jesus Christ was without sin. (See Hebrews 4:15.) God begins to straighten us at the moment of salvation and continues until we are taken to Heaven. It takes pressure to straighten an arrow, and God will use the pressure of His Spirit to guide and correct us. God is patient and faithful in His work (see Philippians 1:6), but He will be firm if we resist His will (see Hebrews 12:6). An Arrow Must Fly Straight A straight arrow will only fly straight if it is properly spined and fletched. Spine refers to an arrow's stiffness. An arrow can be too stiff or too flexible. God cannot use a person who is weak and fearful. God uses the trials and experiences of life to properly balance us. (See Romans 8:28-29). Fletching serves to slow the nock end of the arrow so it will fly straight. God will use trials and burdens in our lives to keep us straight as well. An Arrow Must Be Sharp Just as an arrow must be sharp to be effective, God wants us to be sharp spiritually. In Hebrews 4:12, God's Word is compared to a sharp, two-edged sword. In II Timothy 2:15, we are commanded to study the Word of God that we might use it properly. We must learn to depend upon God's Word to build our faith (see Romans 10:17) and to touch the hearts of others (see I Peter 3:15). Trust the Master Arrowsmith I really enjoy archery and bow hunting, but my service to God must come first. Serving God does not rob me of these joys. Instead, He enriches every part of my life. (See I Corinthians 1:5 .) If you are not saved, let me urge you to turn from your sin and trust Jesus Christ: "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10: 13). If you are already saved, I hope you will be encouraged to faithfully live for the Lord. Trust the Master Arrowsmith!