As an Eagle...So the Lord
TEXT: Exodus 19:4; Deut. 32:11-12
Introduction: What Is the Meaning of Life? God gives us the answer in Exodus 19:4. The Meaning of ALL of Life is that God might bring us unto Himself!
Of all of the things in life that I am most sorrowful about - the one thing that stands out is "that I don’t KNOW God as much as He wants me to KNOW HIM!
Paul wrote, "That I may KNOW HIM, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death." (Phillipians 3:10)
Do YOU really KNOW God?? I didn’t ask if YOU had MET God - I asked, "Do YOU KNOW God???
The LORD told Moses, "Ye have seen what I DID unto the Egyptians, and how I BARE YOU on eagle’s wings, and BROUGHT YOU UNTO MYSELF."
We must confess that God is in control of everything that goes on in our lives. He either DOES or ALLOWS things to happen for the express "Purpose of Bringing Us Unto Himself!"
Deuteronomy 32:11-12 - "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him…."
Here we find a simile - "a comparison of two persons or objects using the word like or as." God is clearly teaching us something of the character of Himself. "As an eagle" "So the LORD" - What is there about the Lord that we can learn from an eagle???
He Wants Us To KNOW HIM! If we can understand how an eagle accomplishes what she accomplishes - Then we will better understand how the Lord accomplishes what He accomplishes!
The Meaning of Life is to enable YOU to Know Him - The Method of Life can be illustrated in the life of the eagle.
I. As an Eagle "Builds", So the LORD "Builds"
A. As an eagle BUILDS a nest for her eaglets, So the LORD BUILDS the believer!
1. She cares for them so much that she painfully takes the time to choose only the best for the construction for the nest.
2. An eagle always returns to the same nest, year after year after year, continually improving on the condition of the nest.
3. It is usually high or lofty; where the enemy cannot reach it.
4. The material wisely chooses the materials best suited for a nest.
B. The LORD’s method of Building our lives is similar.
1. God KNOWS what it takes to BUILD our lives also!
2. Many people go through life feeling sorry for themselves - Constantly asking, "WHY ME?"
3. This is a very foolish way to live! God KNOWS exactly what is going on in our lives and He is in control!
C. GOD constantly improves on the construction of His children!
1. My friend, it doesn’t matter how rich or strong or pretty or successful you are in this life - The Meaning of Life is that YOU might better KNOW the LORD!!
2. If you die without Jesus Christ as Savior, then you will go to hell!
3. God is concerned about YOU KNOWING HIM more than anything else.
4. When YOU Know HIM - You cannot help but LOVE HIM!!
II. As an Eagle "Breaks", So the LORD "Breaks"
A. After an eagle gives birth, and after a time of nurturing her young, then the eagle "BREAKS" (stirreth up) her nest. (vs. 11)
1. An eagle KNOWS that her young were not born to STAY in the Nest,
2. She begins to break up the twigs and makes the nest so uncomfortable that they desire to leave it.
3. Unfortunately, in the church, many never desire to get out of the nest! The nest is not the permanent place many think it is!
4. Some never desire to step out in faith and try anything new - They are content to remain in the place of shelter, refuge, and comfort.
B. Some of you have maybe wondered why you are spiritually restless!
1. Why you no longer are content to remain in the pew; Why you have an urging to DO MORE than YOU HAVE DONE!
2. Is it possible that God is "stirring up your nest?" Is it possible that He is making you uncomfortable so that you will "thrust out a little from the shore?" or "Launch Out into the Deep?"
3. Maybe YOU are convicted over how much you study, pray, or tithe.
4. Maybe God is stirring your nest! He desires you to exercise more FAITH so that you might better KNOW HIM!
III. As an Eagle "Broods", So the LORD "Broods"
A. vs. 11 - "…fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings…."
1. When it is time for the young to learn to fly, she leaves the nest and broods over them, majestically spreading her wings above them so that they can see.
2. They get their eyes on HER, and suddenly, they begin to desire; to DREAM; to do the SAME - TO Launch Out; TO FLY!
3. Eaglets NEVER learn to fly "Looking at Each Other!"
B. We, as Believers, never learn to exercise our faith in God looking at one another either!
1. There are so many in the church that are miserable because they never learn to KNOW GOD that they might trust in Him more!
2. All they do is LOOK AT ONE ANOTHER - compare themselves with other people - NOT THE LORD!!!
3. God help us to get our eyes on the Lord - Our Great Example - To KNOW HIM more and more that we might be conformed to HIS IMAGE - not the images of man!
IV. As an Eagle "Bears", So the LORD "Bears"
A. Finally, when a young eaglet musters enough courage to finally step out in faith to fly, the mother is right there to Bear Them Up IF they Fall!
1. Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
2. How FAR Can You Fall When God’s Arms Are Under You???
B. It is said that there is a particular current created by the parent eagle’s wings above the young that causes the young eaglet’s load to be lightened!
1. However, IF the eaglet would suddenly fall, the parent eagle will swoop down below and literally catch the young with her wings.
2. The parent will then fly higher and higher unto the eaglet is let go to TRY AGAIN!
V. As an Eagle "Brings", So the LORD "Brings"
A. Why Are YOU Here Today??
1. God is BRINGING YOU UNTO HIMSELF!
2. God is in both blessings and trials - But ALWAYS to Bring You Unto Himself!
B. What is the Meaning of Life?
1. God wants Us to KNOW Him, and He is constantly allowing things in our life to Bring Us Unto Himself!
2. How Is God Working In YOUR LIFE in order to accomplish this?
C. CONCLUSION: DO YOU KNOW GOD? DO YOU KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND LORD OF YOUR LIFE??
