Straight as an Arrow

…and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men.

2 Chronicles 14:8 (NIV)

The second and final son of Rachel and Jacob had a rough start in life. His mother died in childbirth, and as she lay dying, she called her son Benoni meaning “son of my sorrow.” But Daddy intervened and called him Benjamin meaning “son of my right hand.” Words have power, and names carry identity. Jacob knew the power of a name change because the Lord had changed his name, which meant “deceiver,” to Israel, “fighter of God.”

The tribe of Benjamin became mighty fighters of God. Famous for their skill with the bow, they could shoot arrows or sling stones right and left-handed. They were said to be able to shoot at a hair and never miss. What would be the outcome of this tribe if they had carried the heavy label of sorrow and pain?

What you answer to affects you either for good or bad. Labels are sticky, so which ones are you wearing? Separate yourself from any past identity that branded you as a victim. Your identity is now in Christ. You are a son of the Almighty’s right hand, a straight arrow in His quiver. You are his weapon of warfare. Be brave and strike down the devil with God’s word in your mouth.