The Fastest Bow in the Universe - by Keith Carnahan As archers, we are concerned with accuracy and arrow speed. Many bowyers claim that their bows are the fastest bows. My search for the most powerful bow led me to the Bible: "And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning..." (Zechariah 9:14). God's Arrow of Judgment God loves us, and He seeks to communicate with us in terms that we can understand. In Zechariah, God is warning us of His future judgment of the world. In Psalm 7:11-13, we are warned: "God is angry with the wicked every day. If he [the sinner] turn not, he [God] will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow...he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors [sinners]." Here God describes Himself as an archer preparing for war. In the day of judgment, even the self-confident archer will fall at His feet: "...neither shall he stand that handleth the bow..." (Amos 2:15); "...every knee shall bow..." (Philippians 2:10). Missing the Target Romans 6:23 tells us, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." To "come short" means to miss the mark. Every archer knows what it is to miss the target. We have missed the target of righteousness. The penalty for sin is death: "The wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23). As sinners, we face a spiritual death--separation from God in a place called hell (Revelation 20:11-15). We are sinners by nature and sinners by choice: "...by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world..." (Romans 5:12). We have rebelled against God, and we deserve punishment. God's Perfect Arrow In spite of our sin, God loves us; however, God's righteous nature will not allow Him to excuse our sin. Therefore, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross taking our punishment upon Himself: "Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree..." (I Peter 2:24). In Isaiah 49:2, Jesus is called the "polished shaft." He is God's perfect arrow. He was not a sinner (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus, the righteous One, died for all sinners. God accepted His sacrifice and raised Him from the dead (Romans 1:4). He is now seated at the right hand of God, but He will soon return in judgment. He is the "arrow" of Zechariah 9:14. His coming will be as the lightning (Matthew 24:27). God's Promise of Salvation God has promised to save us if we will place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Romans 10:13 tells us, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." When we realize we are sinners and humbly come to God seeking His forgiveness, He has promised to forgive all of our sins (I John 1:9). If you are sorry for your sins and are willing to tum away from the old life, take God at His Word; and trust Him this very moment. Call out to God in prayer; ask Him to forgive you and to save you. Attend a Bible-believing Church, and be baptized. Write and let us know of your decision. Remember the words of Lamentation 3:12: "He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow." God's judgment is coming. Be ready to meet Him!