As The Eagles
The eagle is a bird used quite often in history to symbolize superiority, conquest and divinity. Many nations have the eagle as their national symbol and some even display this bird on their flags. In the Bible, the eagle speaks of vision, renewal and faith. Because it is a metaphor used in Scriptures for the victorious believer, let us learn how to be as eagles.
The eagle is noted for its capability to reach great heights. Far above the cares of this life, it soars effortlessly above the circumstances which would try to pull it down. From its lofty position it can see clearly what is moving on the ground. It has an incredible vision. If it weren’t for its vision, it would never fly so high. Lesson number one: Our attitude, vision, determines our altitude.
An eagle can live up to 70 years, but at around 40 years his beak and claws have grown too long to be able to grab his prey. His feathers become worn and if left in this condition the eagle would die far before his time. To be renewed the eagle finds an isolated place on the cliffs and beats his beak on the rocks until it falls off. After it has grown back, he uses it to pull out his claws. When his claws grow back he then uses them to pull out his feathers. Only after they grow back can he soar once again and complete his days. Lesson number two: Renewal requires removal or no gain without pain.
To overcome the natural laws of gravity, the downward pull of the earth, the eagle employs the laws of aerodynamics. As he goes against the flow of the wind, he is lifted up. The resistance of the air is used to his advantage. The negative opposition becomes the stimuli of faith. The world does not stop because we have problems. If we give up we will be pulled down, but if we extend our wings of faith and trust God we will raise above our circumstances. Faith is released when we are between a rock and a hard place. Lesson number three: Problems either make us bitter or better.
Scriptures to meditate on: Isaiah 40.28-31: 41.6,10; Ephesians 1.3, 20-22; 2.6; Romans 8.37-39.