Striking without stopping (1) Shooting arrows

The dying Elisha called upon Joash to demonstrate his whole-hearted engagement in the cause of God by means of an acted oracle. Joash should have been stirred and energised by the promises of God and the prospect of victory, but showed himself a feeble man lacking in spiritual and moral vigour. His attitude and character pose a challenge to every member of Christ's church: three arrows or six?

In the first sermon in this brief series, we see the various matters in which we are called upon to shoot arrows: our plans for God's glory; our prayers for Christ's kingdom; our warfare with sin; our cultivation of grace; our grasp of the truth; our effectiveness in service; and, our pursuit of salvation.