The Eagle: God's Sermon in the Sky

Deuteronomy 32:11–12 NLT

11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. 12 The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods.

Eagle slides (2x)

The eagle is the most majestic of all birds mentioned in the Scriptures, and according to the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, there are still twelve different kinds found in Israel.

Vulture slide

There is also the Egyptian vulture, which is one of the most repulsive creatures in existence. G. S. Cansdale says, "Palestine is rich in these birds [the eagles]. There are golden; spotted; lesser spotted; Bonelli's booted; imperial; tawny; Verraux's; short toed; white tailed; black bearded and Griffon.... Three species breed in tall trees, or more often, on cliffs. The others are passing migrants or winter visitors. They feed mostly on live prey, which ranges from young deer to reptiles and insects." There are numerous references in the Bible to these wonderful birds that were known for their strength, speed, beauty, and care for their young. It was generally believed among the ancient Hebrews that the parent birds deliberately broke up their nests and, carrying their young, dropped them, only to catch them again on their broad wings. This method taught the eaglets how to fly. Some scholars have said there is no evidence this idea was based on fact.

Dr. W. M. Thompson, who was one of the greatest authorities on Palestine, wrote, "The notion however, appears to have been prevalent among the ancients that the eagle did actually take up her timid young, and carry them forth to embolden them, and teach them how to use their own pinions (a.k.a.: flight feathers). To this idea, Moses seems to refer in Exodus 19:4:

Exodus 19:4 NLT

4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

The fact is not impossible; the eagle is strong enough to do it, but I am not aware that such a thing has ever been witnessed. I myself, however, have seen the old eagle fly round and round the nest, and back and forth past it, while the young ones fluttered and shivered on the edge, as if eager, but afraid to launch forth from the giddy precipice. And no wonder, for the nest is 'on high', and a fall from thence would end their flight forever.

"If Moses were not the author of Job, they seem both to have been familiar with this bird and its habits. One illusion is very striking from Job 39:29: 'keeping watch with piercing eyes' . The power of vision in the eagle is amazing; almost incredible. No sooner does a kid fall in the wilderness among the thick bushes, than some of these keen-sighted hunters after prey notice it from their pathway in mid-heaven, and, circling round and round, pounce down upon, and bear it away to their nest. This appears to be done purely by sight" (quoted from The Land and the Book, W. M. Thompson, p. 151, published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, London, England, 1910). Certain Bible verses imply that what Dr. Thompson admitted could be true was accepted as fact by Hebrew writers.

God's Undeserved Compassion ... Amazing (Exodus 19:4)

Exodus 19:4 NLT

4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

The mountain appeared to be consumed by fire; the smoke was stifling. When the earth trembled and an earthquake seemed to be imminent, the watching tribes of Israel were terrified. They stared at their leader Moses who, unconcerned, was climbing into the mountain to meet Jehovah. Perfect love had cast out any fear which might have been in his soul. He was an ambassador, an intercessor, an official interpreter between God and men. Majestic and serene, he stood before the Lord and heard,

Exodus 19:5 NLT

5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Moses was overwhelmed with pride and humility. It was unbelievable that God had permitted this interview, for no man could be worthy of such favor. He remembered what the Lord had said: "You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself." He considered the new promise, "If you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples." The Almighty had carried them; now He was conversing with them, but greatest of all, Jehovah was making a covenant concerning their future. God's kindness would continue to support them; they were of incalculable worth. How could the Lord be so wonderful?

When the patriarch remembered what had been done for Israel, he was intensely grateful. The people had been slaves for four centuries and were completely impoverished. None of the men had received military training, and few, if any, possessed weapons. How could it be possible to wage war against hostile people and win? The tribes were an unorganized multitude with no knowledge of how to survive in a wilderness. They had only the food brought from Egypt, and water was exceptionally scarce. Their problems were immense and complaints innumerable. The entire project of escaping to a better land seemed to be ridiculous.

Moses considered all that had happened and knew God had borne the people on eagles' wings and had provided everything necessary for survival. Eternal strength had been made perfect in human weakness. As the majestic bird of the heavens was said to carry its young on powerful, supporting wings, so the Almighty had supported His dependent children. The tribes were weak and unworthy, but they belonged to God as the eaglets did to their parents. Neither could fail their trusting offspring.

God's Unceasing Concern ... Awesome (Deut. 32:11)

Moses was about to deliver his final message to Israel. He had considered the habits of the eagles. The words with which this study commenced were written on his heart. He remembered Jacob and said,

Deuteronomy 32:10–12 NLT

10 He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes. 11 Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. 12 The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods.

Thus Moses referred to the ancestor from whom the tribes of Israel descended. The personal history of the revered patriarch had been reproduced in the tribes. Throughout their journeys in the wilderness they were preserved by Jehovah, who had protected His children as the eagle did her offspring. There are five divisions which promote an understanding of the text.

(1) How Strange are the Ways of God-

"As an eagle stirs up her nest."

Sometimes God appeared to be unkind when trying to help His people. Unless the parent eagle destroyed its nest, the young might remain there forever and would never fly. Even human babies cannot live forever encircled by a mother's arms. They need to be taught to walk, talk, and mature.

(2) How Watchful are the Eyes of God-

The eagle "hovers over her young."

The eagle stays close to her babies to attend to their every need. When the prophet Hannani spoke to King Asa, he said,

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)

9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

A similar idea was expressed by David when he wrote:

Psalm 34:7 NLT

7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Whether it is believed or not, God is always close to His children.

(3) How Strong are the Arms of God-

The eagle "spreads out her wings."

The frantic movements made by the falling eaglet supplied the first lesson in how to fly. The gravitational pull was thwarted and overcome as the young bird began to exercise its inherent gift. Yet, while all this was taking place, the parent bird watched and was ready to catch her baby on strong supporting wings. Throughout every emergency, whether in or out of the nest, she was equal to each demand made upon her.

(4) How Decisive are the Intentions of God-

The eagle "takes her young."

The young birds could never understand the motives of their mother. Inexperienced, they would interpret her behavior as thoughtless, irresponsible, and unkind. Job might have asked in adversity, "Why did God allow this to happen to me?" The eagle knows how to teach her young to fly, and without her expertise, disaster would destroy the family. Similarly, the Lord knows how to protect His children, and this was reflected in the Lord's prayer when He said,

John 17:12 (NLT)

12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost,

(5) How Sufficient is the Provision of God-

The eagle "bears them on her wings."

Unlike the cuckoo, which has no affection for its young and deposits an egg in a borrowed nest, the eagle is watchful and protective. When necessity demands action, the bird responds. When danger threatens, the wings of the parent bird become a place of refuge. Like Jehovah, the bird might delay her rescue efforts, but she is never too late to help her endangered offspring. When the patriarchs considered these facts, it was easy to understand the sermon in the sky. The Lord's handiwork in creation revealed wisdom, majesty, and compassion. The same fact was emphasized by the Savior who said a falling sparrow was always seen by the watchful eyes of its Creator (see Matt. 10:29).

God's Unchanging Condition ... Admirable (Isaiah 40:31)

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Many years had passed, but even in a changing world, some things remained unaltered. Eagles continued to nest in Israel's mountains and were watched by the prophet Isaiah. He was aware of the difficulties confronting his nation and realized the citizens of Israel were discouraged. He asked them a very important question.

Isaiah 40:28–31 NLT

28 Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Evidently the prophet had watched those powerful birds flying above the hills. Their majestic wings used every current of air and storms as means by which to fly higher. Isaiah suggested to his listeners that if God could impart such wisdom and strength to birds, He could give similar understanding to men and women. His utterances proved to be fascinating to people of all ages; His reasoning was challenging. He spoke of flying, running, walking, but people usually reverse that order. It is said that babies must crawl before they can walk and walk before they can run. Isaiah had other ways of explaining spiritual growth. "They that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength-they shall mount up with wings as eagles." Excitement and compelling enthusiasm are evidence of spiritual awakening. Many young Christians become so energetic they try to change the world overnight. Nothing is impossible as they forge ahead with plans which sometimes are disastrous. The patience of God seems to say:

Isaiah 40:31 NLT

31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Spiritual maturity is reached only when believers keep step with the Almighty-"they will walk and not faint." When Enoch did that, he was ready to be taken into heaven.

Every child of God covets that capability. Unfortunately, some people are impatient and fail to wait for the Lord; others are discouraged and remain motionless when the Savior urges them to advance in faith. Blessed is the man who keeps step with his Maker. It is easy to hear His whispers when the believer and the Master walk side by side. The poet wrote:

I tell Him all my sorrows;

I tell Him all my joys:

I tell Him all that pleases me;

I tell Him what annoys.

He tells me what I ought to do;

He shows me how to try:

And so we walk together,

My Lord and I.

God's Unheeded Caution ... Awful (Jeremiah 49:16)

The prophet Jeremiah had great reasons for denouncing the nations that were a constant menace to the Hebrews. They lived in a city which is now called Petra, where caves in the lofty hills were compared to the nests of eagles. The prophet said to those arrogant aggressors,

Jeremiah 49:16 NLT

16 You have been deceived by the fear you inspire in others and by your own pride. You live in a rock fortress and control the mountain heights. But even if you make your nest among the peaks with the eagles, I will bring you crashing down,” says the Lord.

The reference to the “rock fortress” is to Petra, located in Jordan:

Play Petra video

Today that city that was carved out of the red cliffs by the Nabatean people is a solemn reminder of the veracity of God's words. Petra was impregnable; access was only gained through a narrow split in the earth where one man could hold the pass against an army. During the ministry of the minor prophets, the Edomites lived in caves high in the formidable hills, and the rocky fortress produced a sense of invincibility. The defiant people laughed when they heard the warnings of the prophets. They forgot that Jehovah who held earthquakes in His hand could easily shake them from their impregnable stronghold. Many years later when caravans and cameleers decided to bypass the city, Petra died for want of commerce, and its inhabitants disappeared among the nomads of the desert. Today the king of Jordan, assisted by international organizations, is planning to make the place one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.

The eagle is now considered to be an endangered species. Hunters frequently killed these wonderful birds to retain them as trophies, but that practice is no longer permitted. If the feathered monarch of the sky should ever become extinct, mankind would lose one of the greatest examples of the Creator's skill.

Conclusion

Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ. After salvation, every Christian begins the process of spiritual growth, with the intent to become spiritually mature. According to the apostle Paul, it’s an ongoing process that will never end in this life. In Philippians 3:12-14, speaking of full knowledge of Christ, he tells his readers:

Philippians 3:12–14 NLT

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Like Paul, we have to press continually toward deeper knowledge of God in Christ. Christian maturity requires a radical reordering of one’s priorities, changing over from pleasing self to pleasing God and learning to obey God. The key to maturity is consistency, perseverance in doing those things we know will bring us closer to God. These practices are referred to as the spiritual disciplines and include things such as Bible reading/study, prayer, fellowship, service, and stewardship. No matter how hard we might work on those things, however, none of this is possible without the enabling of the Holy Spirit within us. Galatians 5:16 tells us that we’re to “walk by the Spirit.” The Greek word used here for “walk” actually means “to walk with a purpose in view.” Later in the same chapter, Paul tells us again that we’re to “walk by the Spirit.” Here, the word translated “walk” has the idea of taking things “step by step, one step at a time.” It is learning to walk under the instruction of another—the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit means we walk under the Spirit’s control. As we submit more and more to the Spirit’s control, we will also see an increase in the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, as we read in Galatians 5:22-23:

Galatians 5:22–23 NLT

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

These are characteristics of spiritual maturity. When we become Christians, we are given all we need for spiritual maturity. Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:3:

2 Peter 1:3 NLT

3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

God alone is our resource, and all growth comes by grace through Him, but we are responsible to make the choice to obey. Peter again helps us in this area: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” as we are told in 2 Peter 1:5-8:

2 Peter 1:5–8 NLT

5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Being effective and fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus is the essence of spiritual maturity.

And we should always aspire to and desire to reach for spiritual maturity.

AMEN