Are you an arrow in God’s bow?
by GUY COHEN AUGUST 2, 2021
After Yeshua’s resurrection from the dead, He appeared to the eleven disciples and said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:15-18).
In one word, what was it that Yeshua told them to do? Go. He had prepared them for three years for exactly that. They went through trials and tests, doubts and fears, as well as criticism and sacrifice. All of this became a part of their testimony. Yeshua taught them and was an example to them throughout that time.
What they gained from all of this was their identity as HIS disciples. In this they were unified, eleven of them remaining faithful to Him and to one another. This identity was part of their DNA and included attributes such as integrity, unity and faithfulness.
What does this say to me as a believer? Let’s take Yeshua’s example of investing in people and apply it to the business world.
Many successful businesses have been built according to these same principles. They begin by developing a small group of people trained, unified and “pointing” in the same direction. Then they go out, expanding into different areas but maintaining that same DNA, unity and vision.
There is the example of the building of the State of Israel – on the foundation of the Kibbutz and Moshav agricultural villages. Each of them was founded by a core of pioneers partnering with each other and willing to sacrifice for the sake of the common goal.
Early Aliyah was heavily invested in by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild, a descendant of Mayer Amschel Rothschild who was born in 1744 in the ghetto in Frankfurt, Germany. The Rothschild family coat of arms includes a fist clutching five arrows. The arrows are a reference to Mayer’s five sons and to me are reminiscent of the words of Psalm 127:3-5, “…children are a reward from [God]. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior…” Rothschild sent his five sons out to establish banks in five key cities throughout Europe.
Each of these examples resulted in change and are an example of people being sent out. I see through these examples how spiritual principles are foundational in the natural realm as well. Many would like to be sent out, shot towards a target. However, success depends on first being discipled.
The disciples were Yeshua’s arrows, sent to raise up the body and bring a change to mankind. Can we say that today we, as the members of that Body, are like arrows going forth in the love of God? Walking in the integrity of His Word? In unity and faithfulness? Bringing change?
What is our DNA as individuals, families and congregations? What change are we hoping to bring?