The Principal’s Message – Releasing The Arrow

Isaiah 49:2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.

The hidden preparatory years of the Lord Jesus helped to lay the foundation for his appointed task. When John the Baptist uttered the words “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”, little was known of Him and certainly few had any idea as to what He was about to become. It took years of hidden, unseen molding under the shaping hand of His heavenly Father to prepare Him for His unique day. The shaft of the arrow was now perfectly formed, the tip sharpened and focused, now ready to be placed into the hands of the Master Archer. At the age of thirty, while coming up out of the water of baptism at Jordan, Jesus was released into the fullness of purpose for which he was called. The cross was the target and on it rested the hope of all mankind. Though the winds and wiles of the enemy sought to misdirect the arrow, it nonetheless found its mark resulting in the salvation and redemption of all who would call upon His name (Revelation 13:8).
The Bible is filled with types and shadows which help to affirm certain truths that are found in Scripture. These patterns give a glimpse of the genuine such as the Passover lamb found in Exodus which points us to the true Passover Lamb who bled and died at Calvary’s cross. It’s ironic therefore that Tung Ling Bible School is now celebrating its 30th year and that this article will appear along side many others in a special edition of the Polished Shaft magazine. I personally feel the history and future of Tung Ling can be somewhat ascertained by observing the example of the formation and sending forth of the true “Polished Shaft”, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

Tung Ling has been a blessing to the churches of Singapore for 30 years. Though this is only my 3rd year in being acquainted with Tung Ling, I have come to appreciate the acceptance, recognition, and impact that the school has provided to Singapore and the nations. The seeds sown over the years by seasoned leaders continue to bear tangible fruit to the glory of God. In addition, many of the former students are themselves bringing transformation to their homes, churches, marketplace, and nations due to their respective Tung Ling experience. Truly, there is much to give thanks for in reflecting on the thirty years of the school, but what does the future hold?

The thirty years of formation in the life of Jesus served as the launch pad for His greatest hour. For without it, Jesus would not have been able to fulfill His divine destiny.

I believe Tung Ling’s greatest hour is yet before her. It is appropriate to recognize and commemorate the thirty years of the school’s existence. It would be easy to reflect upon the history of God’s blessing to Tung Ling and take a certain satisfaction from all that the Lord has done. There is a danger however of resting on past glories at the expense of today’s demands. Tung Ling has a designated call and purpose that has yet to be fulfilled. Could it be that Tung Ling is now positioned to be released into a greater purpose?

Consider the make-up and composition of what helps to make Tung Ling unique. First, the school is cited approvingly amongst the leading churches in Singapore.  Many current church leaders have come through Tung Ling’s doors since its inception. Secondly, the school has benefited from quality lecturers represented by varied backgrounds, nations, and expertise. The typical student body consists of members from a wide base of churches both local and foreign. In short, Tung Ling provides a picture of a strong functioning body that is positioned to emerge in an even greater dimension in the days to come. The gathering of the early church saints at Pentecost serves as an example of the potentiality of Tung Ling (I Corinthians 12:20, 27). Those 120 believers were formed, established, and unified, resulting in them being released into an even greater role under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

As Dean of the School of Leadership, I am grateful and humbled to be associated with the ministry of Tung Ling. I pray to be faithful in helping to build upon the foundation and sacrifice of the early pioneers while working alongside today’s staff, lecturers, and students. Celebrating the thirty years of God’s faithfulness to Tung Ling is indeed a special blessing. May we yet take note that the best is still to come. John 2:10, “And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.”

Let the words of the apostle Paul serve as the rallying cry for Tung Ling as the school positions itself for the future. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).”   May Tung Ling prove to be that polished shaft, drawn from the Lord’s quiver at this crucial hour for the purpose of becoming that released arrow which finds its mark and fulfills its course (2 Timothy 4:7).

Reverend Tim O’Connell
Principal