bow

Archery

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not Me, saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:3
“Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.” Jeremiah 9:8 (KJV)

Archery is a popular sport in our time and day. It is not the most popular, but there are archery ranges throughout the U. S. of A. and children are even learning to properly use the bow and arrow.

Throughout the Bible the Scriptures show us that it was also a much used weapon. Using the bow and arrow can still be deadly. The archer should never see this instrument as a toy, but a weapon: a weapon which can maim or kill.

We live in a day of deadly use of the tongue. Many think that an evil tongue is not deadly; neither does it maim, but is that true?

In reading chapter 9 of the prophet Jeremiah we read of Jeremiah’s heart for his people, weeping even for them. The LORD says they are an adulterous people; I suppose spiritually and otherwise. He also says, “They bend their tongues like their bow for lies…” they also do not stand for truth, and they grow in their evil, and it is because they do not know the LORD.

There are some people who see truth as only a personal philosophy. That one individual’s truth, is not another individual’s truth. Truth is much more than the philosophies of men and women; truth stands. Truth is truth no matter what home you are in. No matter what culture you are in. Truth is truth even if you or I stand alone with it.

The people of Judah had a problem with their tongues. Speaking lies, hating the truth. Speaking deceit; with it flying forth from their lips and tongue like an arrow released from its bow. Like a released arrow cannot be called back; neither can a word spoken.

There is much said in Scripture of the tongue and its power:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

In the New Testament book of James read James 3:5-8.

Speaking peace to a neighbor while at the same time plotting and scheming to harm them is the arrow flying to kill.

O Christian be careful with your tongue. Writing is the use of your thoughts and tongue too. So keep that in mind, and let us do as the apostle Paul has said,

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…” Ephesians 4:15

When We Pray God Hears: When We Sin God Chastises

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

“The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him…” 1 Chronicles 5:18-20
“…And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.” 1 Chronicles 5:25 (KJV)

These tribes had their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. They had to fight to keep it. It is believed that these Hagarites were a desert people, that were growing restless due to the numbers of Israelites dwelling in the land.

They attack, and by the prayers of God’s people have God’s help in the victory over the Hagarites. “They cried to God in the battle…” He heard them, gave them the victory, because they trusted Him.

The people of God are warned to trust only in Him; remember the first commandment – “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” Then these 2 and one half tribes transgress the law.

Because of the transgression God sent Tilgathpilneser to judge and discipline them to bring them back to Himself.

“And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” (v. 26)

God does not leave His people without discipline, without correction, without judgment. Peter says, “Judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). One thing we must remember; and that is that “God loves us the way we are when we are coming to Him, but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.” He will accomplish His work in us. He will be glorified.

Stripped of the Robe

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.” 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (KJV)

Following the defeat of Goliath, by God through David, king Saul acknowledges David, and Jonathan does as well.

We are told that Jonathan “was knit with the soul of David”; then, in an act of great humility the son of the king takes off the royal robe he wears, and gives it to David.

This is a clear recognition of David’s anointing as the next king of Israel.

When it comes to places of service, which is that of a king, president, prime minister, or a pastor; there is no place for arrogance, pride, or domination.  It is a place of service.  Any leader who dominates is not fit for the office which he/she serves.  King Jesus is fit for the office.  He has given the ultimate price – His life.

That is what one must do to be right with God; realize that apart from Him we are doomed, and strip ourselves of our rights, and privileges; and yield our all to the One who died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose again. He is our King. King Jesus, Son of the Living God.