The apple-shot is a shining example of marksmanship using a bow and arrow. The most notable story showcasing the apple-shot is that of William Tell, who shot an apple off his son’s head in 1307.
Other stories involve coins, hazelnuts, or chess pieces, but they all illustrate the same thing. We must be certain in our shot, or someone might die.
The apple-shot is also seen in the Bible. We find it in Matthew 7:14, where the Word says:
“For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
Not everyone who aims for God hits the target. As this passage tells us, not many of us are good shots, and if our arrow doesn’t hit home, then someone dies. Us.
Revelation 21:8 tells us what to watch out for:
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
There are many targets in this world, not all of them wise. This passage lists the barn walls and broad fields. Anyone can hit those. Our target is much more focused. It is God.
Isaiah 49:2 reminds us of his love:
“He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.”
In the beginning of all that ever was, God made us to fly straight toward him. He draws us to him, even as we are still in the quiver.
1 John 1:9 helps us aim our bow:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confessing our sins clears the field. With the distractions gone, we can see God standing before us. He is our target.
Psalm 91:1-5 shows us the source of our strength:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”
God’s presence in our lives pulls the string, and we will fly straight to our Father God. We will aim for the apple on God’s head, and we will hit it dead on, becoming one with him.
Hebrews 13:5-6 gives us the secret for hitting the mark every time:
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ ”
When we trust God to be our strong arm, to lift our bow and aim it securely, we will never stray from the mark. He will keep our eyes true to him, and no other target will be in our view.
William Tell pulled two arrows from his quiver that day, one to shoot the apple from his son’s head, and a second to slay the king should his son die. We must pull two arrows from God’s quiver, also. One we use to fly to God; the other is to slay the devil, so that he can never tempt us again.
God waits patiently for us to get him in our sights. Then we can fly toward him.
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