Archery

God was on the boy's side as he grew up. He lived out in the desert and became a skilled archer. (Genesis 21:20 MSG).

The Story
Ishmael was a son of Abraham. His mother, Hagar, had given birth to him when Sarah had not had a child. When Sarah had a child and was weaning him, she saw Ishmael mocking the child. So she asked Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. This they eventually did though it grieved Abraham to do it.

Though Ishmael was not the son through whom Abraham’s descendants would be counted, God did not look down on him. God loved him and was with him even as he grew in the wilderness. He became a skilled archer.

An archer is a person who practices archery. Archery is the practice of using a bow to shoot arrows. It is an art of high antiquity. Archery has historically been used in hunting and combat. During combat, a skilled archer could stay at a distance and reach his target. A skilled archer knew how to use his weapons very well.

Modern Application
Archers of those days understood how to use their tools. Today our tools are different. They may be computers, they may be software, and they may be equipment we use to make our jobs easier.

To be recognized in what we do, we need to demonstrate skill in the use of the tools we have to use. A painter knows what to do with his palette; a guitarist knows what to do with his guitar. How we use our tools really matters a lot.

Questions to think on:
1. Are you skilled in the use of the tools given to you?
2. Do you know anyone you could mentor or encourage to understand his tools better?
3. What are your weapons today?

While you think on the questions, do not forget that God is always with you.

Remain gifted.

A Mighty Hunter

Cush became the father of Nimrod; he was the first to be a mighty man on the earth.
He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; therefore it is said, Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. (Genesis 10:8-9 AMP).

The Story
Nimrod was a reference when it came to hunters. A hunter in this context includes: A person who pursues someone; A person who searches for something. I can only imagine that he was someone who went after people and after his desires with passion, zeal and very good strategy. If you read further into Genesis 10: 10 -12, you will find out that Nimrod used his ability to get a lot of people for his kingdom. He also built Nineveh, the city Rehoboth and Calah.

Modern Application
Hunters are judged on the style in which they negotiate obstacles. For Nimrod to have been so mighty a hunter, he would have had unique strategies to overcome his obstacles. He would also have been relentless and someone who does not give up easily.

These days, we are challenged to be hunters: hunters of information and hunters of people (like fishers of men). Not to the detriment of life and property but to profit all. And in the light of obstacles, we can only be called mighty hunters if we apply wise strategies to negotiate the obstacle.

Questions to think on:
1. When you want something, do you pursue it with determination?
2. Do you know anyone you could encourage who enjoys hunting for something e.g. knowledge, people?
3. Are you willing to hunt for people for God?

While you think on the questions, do not forget that you are a reference – the light of the world.

Remain gifted.