Hosea 7:16. “They return, but not to the Most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.” A FAULTY BOW. To those looking on that bow looks quite good In fact, because it looks good it can be intimidating. The string is in place and it is made of the right wood And the use of that bow should be devastating. The reason for a bow is to take your personal strength And send an arrow flying to a far and distant place. The better the wood is and the longer the bow’s length – The more effective it is to help the bowman keep his space.
When the wood is twisted by not taking care The bowman can be as good as they come – But the missile he sends will miss the mark by far For the object it is sent for – its effectiveness is gone. My words may sound good, said in just the right way But if I as a “faulty bow” send my words misguided – It would far better be if not a word I would say Then say partial truths and leave a listener undecided.
The strength of a man, can send his children like arrows Across the street to a friend’s house they know. I may send a wrong message through my children that tomorrow Will turn someone astray because this crooked bow Sent aloft an arrow that should have been straight and truthful With a message full of hope and in the darkness – light; But what was needed missed the mark because a bow deceitful Turned aside a word that was needed to bring eternal life.
“Father God, this bow needs to be reworked every now and then. My spiritual muscles are sometimes weak and the wood is at times, too dry. I am praying that I will be flexible but remain true; strong but with enough length to have some power. May I not be off balance with too much grace on one end and not enough truth on the other. May I be usable at all times. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”