A while back I had a dream in which I saw myself and my
entire family in our backyard shooting bows and arrows, as I stood from afar (a
spectator position) an unknown person came along side and stated (regarding my
family) “If they are nothing else, they are archers”.
A strange dream to be sure, but as I meditated upon it revelation
began to grow. Much of this understanding comes from studying the English
Long-Bowman and how they operated in battle. The resulting spiritual
applications are based in part upon my own experiences and the leading of the Holy
Spirit.
The following is a categorical flow of the revelatory
thought process, I trust it’s not too much of a spiritualization and that the
application may be useful to some.
Recruitment:
Peasant class initially, Grew in prominence to equivalent class
with cavalrymen. Their social status increased with continued use / need in
warfare. They ranged from elite to ordinary as it related to Class hierarchy.
Organization:
Subordinate role, support to the infantry. Capable of
maintaining their own equipment. Organized in companies under officers and
standard bearers. They did however require support from “Pavise carriers” or shield
bearers.
Role:
Essential in holding enemy cavalry at bay. Suppressing enemy
firepower. Traditionally they begin the action on the battlefield advancing in
front of the main body of the infantry (contrary to most movie portrayals). Noted
for their aggressive skirmishing in advance of the main army. They were famed
for their volume and accuracy of their shooting. Also deployed on the flanks or
between divisions of army.
Difficulties:
Vulnerable to enemy attacks without proper protection. May require
assistance to maintain prolonged rates of fire. Requires long periods of
training and practice to obtain mastery. May be subject to the hostilities of
those over them (abuse by authority).
Biblical references:
Most noted was Johnathan, 1 Sam 20:18-23 / 1 Sam 2035-38 / 2
Sam 1:22.
- · “Subordinated his own claim to the throne of Israel to his best friend, to the point of repeatedly incurring the wrath of king Saul, his own father” – (“A true arrow”, Al Gray).
- · Provided symbols of danger or warning (Johnathan & David).
- ·
Symbol of victory, or prophetic action (Jehoash
King of Israel)
- 2 Kings 13:14-19.
Definitions:
“Arrow” – a weapon designed to be shot, projectile, a mark
or sign used to show direction or position.
“Shoot / Shot” – move suddenly or rapidly in a particular
direction. To fire or discharge from a weapon.
Application:
“The Spiritual Ministry of the Archer”:
Archers may come from anywhere within the body of Christ,
from the laity to leadership. Archers have the potential to establish a
prominent “social standing” within the body.
The specific role of the archer is a support role to the
leadership over a local congregation. This may manifest itself in the following:
- · Defensive activities – protection of leaders, congregation, house vision, etc.
- · Initiate action within the body – taking “Point” in implementing the directives of leadership. A type of offensive activity.
- · Providing support alongside or within the body – a sidelines or behind the scenes role.
“The archer is expected to submit to the authority of their
leaders while being mature enough to rightly handle the responsibility of their
assignments”.
The archer practically points out signs of danger to the
body either naturally or spiritually through the discernment gifts. Also the
archer motivates the body to action via prophetic words and decrees, as well as
words of encouragement. The archer also serves in auxiliary ministries performing
hands on tasks as required.
It will be imperative for the archer to function under the
protective covering (both natural and spiritual) of local leadership as he /
she has a limited capacity for self-protection, this is especially important
when engaged in spiritual warfare.
The ministry of the archer is developed within an individual
over a long period of time, as such it should only be seen (in fullness) in
seasoned believers, marks or signs of the archer may be noted among less mature
believers.
An archers activity by nature is intermittent (as needed)
thus during times of prolonged use an archer will require assistance from the
body to maintain consistency in their efforts. Like any subordinate role the
archer may encounter misuse or abuse from those in authority, maturity to
handle this will be necessary to avoid offenses within the body.
So this for me has shed some light on some of the personal
roles I’ve had in ministry and in my faith walk. Maybe it can be of some use to
like-minded believers out there as well.
Luther.
