The Wonky Arrow
Here is retold an ancient story, sort of ‘Mythological,’ as it has no setting, no place in history, yet there it is, that amazing story of “The Wonky Arrow.” Where the arrow ever came from, how it ever got there, well that is all lost to the dim dark and dusty past, but there it was, it always seemed to be right there, it was usually the first to be gathered up and placed back into the large arrow basket after archery practice, as it was so wonky, that it never flew straight, nor went very far, it was just wonky, sort of wonky as if made from a wonky twig, but it was always the very last arrow shot at the end of archery practice, and often ignored or never shot. Every archer had more than once tried, and failed every time, junior archers had shot it many times, but it was just wonky, it was certainly great practice, but those sleek and polished perfectly straight ones were always the first to be grasped, whenever you wanted so much to hit your mark. And so time marched on, and wonky arrow was always there in the arrow basket, sort of mocking archers with failure and the jeering at your fellow archers, as failure was assured.
Well one day, an army set themselves up in array in front of the Castle, they mocked them, insulted them, called them most derogatory names, it certainly was not nice, so all the archers gathered themselves at their allotted posts, for defense and attack, the large baskets of arrows were strategically placed handily, and then it happened, the first wave of attack, then the second, the ‘Master Archer,’ called for patience and restraint, hold, hold, wave after wave of arrows rattled in, but the walls were well made and well designed, so this kept all safe. Then the commander came out and mocked some more, ‘give us your best,’ restraint, then the cry rang out, attack, and back flew arrows straight and true, most found their mark, the slain fell, and then it was over, the arrow baskets were empty.
Then the commander came out once more and mocked some more, ‘give us your best,’ is that all you have got, mocking, insulting, calling them out to surrender, always mocking. The ‘Master Archer’ went from bowman to bowman, everything was empty, even the better of the arrows that were shot in, had been sent right back, and then, there it was, proudly it sat, its fletching feathers shining in the light, the only one, so he picked it up. Everyone knew what he held in his hand, all had tried and failed, it was always there, the last, the ignored, but this time it was proudly lifted into place, that mighty English longbow was pulled all the way back, all held their breath, then a mighty cheer rang out, “Fly wonky arrow,” and so it did, for the very first time, it flew perfectly straight. When the commander saw it, it was far too late, incoming was that wonky arrow, it hit dead center, right on target, the very first time, and it sunk in deep, the last breath was taken, the last insult thrown, and as a giant tree, it just straight and true, falling over backwards, with a wonky arrow protruding out of his chest, like a wonky branch on a mighty tree.
The attack instantly ceased, and dissipated, like a fog swept away on the morning breeze, all hands to the pump, as everyone swept out of the castle, the dead were hastily buried in a mass grave, and an oak tree was planted over them to mark the place, life returned to normal, and the Great Hall was adorned with treasures and trinkets from this battle, to be displayed proudly next to that which was gathered from those who had died before, vainly trying to overcome them. But if you ever go there, right there in the Great Hall, right in the place of honour, mounted to a beautiful polished piece of mahogany, there for all to see, is the wonky arrow, and there in gold letters are these few words, it only needs three words, three words is all it takes, and this is the simple inscription; “The Wonky Arrow.”
The Bible tells many stories of things that appear to be useless, who are actually the very means of salvation and redemption. Goliath came cursing and insulting the armies of God, but a wet nosed mere wonky child, dressed as a shepherd, caused his fall. The wonky child who took on the greatest master warrior of the greatest and most victorious army anywhere around, just a wonky arrow. It was once asked, why did David take five stones, well it appears that Goliath had four other brothers, and there were four other stones, one for each of them if they ever were foolish enough to advance to attack. Isaiah 53:3-4 “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Matthew 21:42 “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?” Rejected like a wonky arrow.
What appeared to be of no earthly use, it maybe even grossly imperfect, maybe even falling well short, like a shepherd boy, a prisoner nailed to a cross outside of Jerusalem, a huge ugly chunk of rock, a wonky arrow, all in the hands of God, become something of immense value, a wonky arrow in the hands of the master bowman, brought victory, peace and salvation, we each are imperfect, Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Just like a wonky arrow in the hands of the master archer, so we each have our blemishes, but in God’s hands, we are worth everything, and will accomplish amazingly, are you willing to place yourself in God’s hand, just let God use you, let him lead and direct, you may well have fallen short, but in a time of crisis, stand, even when all have fled and left, you are now the last chance, you can be that which brings victory, trust God, let him direct and lead, and always remember, “The Wonky Arrow.”
