Marked By Purpose

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth." Psalm 127:4

The Bible likens children to arrows, as weapons that are not meant to be hidden in a quiver, but to be shot out into the world to hit its intended target.

It has been such an honor to be part of the re-branding of Abundant Life Christian School. To see God’s faithfulness over the last ten years and to prayerfully seek Him for the next ten years and beyond. When beginning this journey we wanted to capture God’s vision for the children that would be entrusted to us. A vision that, we believe, lead us to Arrow Academy. A journey that started with one child’s passion for archery and although we are not an archery school, the enrichment program that was birthed from an idea was prophetic as to where the Lord was taking us.

You see, upon further research, I began to see how God was symbolically connecting our belief that “Each Child is Marked by Purpose,” with the anatomy of an arrow. Let me explain. An arrow is made up of various parts; its primary part is the body of the arrow called the “shaft or spine”. This piece is integral as it is what everything else on the arrow is attached. The shaft/spine is symbolic of the child’s identity and like a spine helps them walk straight.

Next, we have the fletching which are the feathers in the back of the arrow, symbolic of a child’s character. The fletching is what allows the arrow to fly straight. An arrow with no fletching can be dangerous and unstable and unable to hit its target, just as a child without a stable character and mindset can be dangerous and never reach its God-given purpose.

You then have the nock at the end of the arrow, these are the grooves that hold the bowstring and keep the arrow in its place until the pressure is released and the arrow is shot. This is symbolic of the relationships in a child’s life. The relationships that help hold them in place as they grow and are one day released into the world. Relationships are significant in any person’s life but especially a child’s. God created us to be relational beings and it is in relationship that a child learns trust, honor and begins to take ownership of all that is being poured into them. It is there that knowledge becomes part of their conviction and takes hold of their mindset. Being able to capture a child’s heart is key in walking alongside them in their educational journey. You see, teaching God’s truth, which can be viewed as rules by a child without relationship, will only produce rebellion.

The last part of the arrow, although small, is key; it is the point, which is symbolic of the child’s purpose and mission in life. God created us all with purpose and to have an impact on the world around us, to be His hands and feet extended.

2 Kings 13:17 says, "Then he commanded, 'Open that eastern window,' and he opened it. Then he said, 'Shoot!' So he shot an arrow. Elisha proclaimed, 'This is the LORD's arrow, an arrow of victory over Aram, for you will completely conquer the Arameans at Aphek.'"

This was a symbolic action indicative of the deliverance of Israel from Syria. It was an ancient custom to shoot an arrow or cast a spear into a country before the commencement of battle. I would like to propose that, your children, our children are the Lord’s arrows, arrows of victory, marked by purpose and are to be shot out into this world to bring the deliverance that the world so desperately needs. Whether that is in education, medicine, politics, missions or business, we at Arrow Academy have purposed in our hearts to partner with God and with you in this journey.