I recently read, “During the Battle of the Wilderness (an American Civil War in 1864), Union General, John Sedgwick, was inspecting his troops. At one point he came to a parapet, over which he gazed out in the direction of the enemy. His officers suggested that this was unwise and perhaps he ought to duck while passing the parapet. ‘Nonsense,’ snapped the general. ‘They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.’ A moment later Sedgwick fell to the ground, fatally wounded.” Presumption is as dangerous as unbelief. Its first synonym is “assumption,” followed by “arrogance,” “boldness,” “impertinence” and then “imprudence.” According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, to be presumptuous, means “too bold or forward; taking too much for granted; showing overconfidence, arrogance, or effrontery.” When we are presumption in life, it often makes us forget about where we are standing and how we got there.
We all have bow and arrow relationships, but too often we get complacent and lose even what we had taken for granted. Archers, therefore, carry a quiver to keep their bows safe and for easy access. The quiver represents the location where we are to be found until God pulls us out for a specific purpose. Here is where presumption comes in, because many of us, like Sedgwick, often adopt stances and lifestyles without regard for anybody or God’s law. There is a Scripture that beautifully illustrates the relationship between the arrow and the quiver, “He made my mouth like a sharpened sword; in the shadow of his hand, he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver” Isaiah 49:2.
One thing that we learn from this text is that the quiver represents a place of safety. The arrows (you and I) are to be “concealed” or “hidden” there. Where are you standing, and what is the source of your confidence in life? There can be no victory when there is no submission to the will of God. The Bible reminds us that in God is our quiver. He is our place of protection. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91: 1-2).
Once arrows are used and retrieved, the archer (God) sharpens them in preparation to be used again. But until then, they are kept in the quiver. This truth reveals the ultimate purpose of life. Life is a journey, not a destination, and the only true rest spots are found in God. Begin your week by thanking God for those that make your bow and arrow relationship in life. But thank Him even more for choosing you as one of his arrows working to foil the plans of evil and to build His Kingdom. And most importantly, thank Him for protecting you in His quiver. Then say to Him, “But teach me, Lord, to avoid being presumptuous and learn to abide in your quiver with humility.” Amen!
May your week not be weak but with Him. I send you my prayerful wishes for the week. (By Fr. Ray®acc.GH)
