03/10/2024
TOPIC: The Eagle Ambassadors
MEMORY VERSE: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 40:28 - 31 KJV
INTRODUCTION: God has favourites. Certain animals are viewed as God’s favourites because of the way they were used in describing His character in the Bible. For example, the lion: our Lord is described as the Lion of the tribe of Judah in Revelation 5:5. Another is the eagle: God in Exodus 19:4, used the eagle to describe His character of protecting His own. There is much to learn from the eagle. Because the eagle is the king of birds, it has many characteristics that distinguish it from other ordinary birds. A study of some of these characteristics will enable us know how we ought to comport ourselves, manifest what we have been created to be, do what we have been called to do, and have what Jesus Christ died to give to us. We need to learn about the eagle because all children of God are expected to be ambassadors with royal traits like that of the eagle - 1 Peter 2:9.
LESSON OUTLINES:
1. UNIQUE ROYAL WAYS OF AN EAGLE
Eagles are remarkable, and inspirational birds. They feature as a symbols of power, strength and authority in various countries, from the Romans to the N***s to the United States. They inspire, they challenge, and they stand for victory! Why? It is because of their unique ways which include:
a). Eagles fly alone or with their own kind: The lesson we can learn from this is to associate with those who bring the best out in our lives, people who think like us, share similar goals and dreams and encourage us in our life. Ephesians 5:15-16; Hebrews 10:24-25.
b). Eagles’ see further: Eagles are renowned for having superior eyesight and concentration. Job 39:27-29. From above the ground, he spies out the prey; his eyes behold it from far away. The lesson for us is that we too should focus on the goals God has for us and give time, effort and energy to achieve them. Ephesians 1:18 ; Ephesians 2:10
c). Eagle’s feed on live food: Unlike vultures and other scavengers, Eagles do not eat dead animals. Instead, they focus on catching live prey. So what is the eagle teaching us here? Don’t waste your precious time and energy on beating a dead horse! Stay open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be listening, be ready, and make sure your mind is filled with life, with good, godly, honourable thoughts, not dead, rotten sin. Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2.
d). Eagle ride the winds: The eagle seems to barely move it’s wings, unlike most other birds who flap. By doing this the eagle conserves a lot of energy as it rises into the heavens. The lesson for us is clear as a church but also as individuals, which is instead of loads of activity with little tangible, eternal results, we need to rest in the Lord, and allow the wind of His Holy Spirit to gather beneath our out-swept wings and lift us higher. Psalms 127:1-2; Matthew 11:28.
e). Eagle love the storm: When adversity strikes, Eagles do not fear it, they don’t even just embrace it, they harness the very elements arrayed against them, using them as a driving force to rise above the storm! Eagles know that the stormy winds are the very force that can lift them above the storm where their flight will be more effortless and powerful. The lesson from the eagle here is to rejoice in the trials we face, because they will empower us towards out destiny. Romans 5:3-5
f). Eagles respond to attack in a unique way: When attacked and annoyed by smaller birds, who swoop and peck at the mighty eagle, it responds in a unique way -it simply rises higher and higher. At some point the smaller, annoying birds cannot stand the higher altitudes, and lack of oxygen, and soon fall away. The lesson is clear – when you are attacked, don’t seek vengeance, just set your wings and fly higher. The attacks will ultimately drop away. Romans 12:19-21.
g). Eagle renew themselves: At around 40 years of age, the bald eagle faces a decision - to die, or to go through the painful process of rebirth, extending its life another 30 or so years. This process sees the eagle flying to a nest high up on a cliff, knocking out its own beak, plucking out its talons and feathers, and over a 5 month period so that new, stronger, healthier ones will grow. The eagle undergoes the painful task of renewing itself. Job 39:27-28. Here the Eagle teaches us that, without pain, there is no gain, and without sacrifice there is no success. Romans 12:2; James 1:2-4.
2. EAGLE, DISPLAYING THE CHARACTER OF GOD
Examining further how the eagle teaches it’s young, we can learn much about how God teaches and moulds our character, as His Children. These includes:
a). Commitment in relationship: Eagles mate for life. They don’t play the field, they don’t shop around they mate for life. Eagles also actually audition their potential mates. The female will often test the commitment of her potential partner, because, given that they mate for life, they might want to choose pretty carefully. The lesson here is that we should take the time to establish the commitment of someone we intend to partner with. 2 Corinthians 6:14; Psalms 1:1
b). Fiercely protect her young (the eaglets): Eagles always nest up high, away from any potential predators. The mother eagle carefully prepares the nest for its eggs, then feeds and cares for them when they hatch. Eagles live and raise their young in lofty places, far above the mess and dirty of the world below. We want this for our children too, that we might raise them above the filth of this world, and God wants to same for us -His children. Psalms 57:1; Psalms 63:7; 2 Samuel 22:3.
c). Eagles provides food for their young: The young eaglets are directly fed raw meat from day one which their mother has hunted for them. The mother eagle feeds her chicks by tearing off pieces of food and holding them to the beaks of the eaglets. The lesson here is that we, as believers, need to look to our Heavenly Father for our provision, in everything. Matthew 6:31-33; Psalms 91:4.
d). Training the eaglets: The eagle parents also provide training to help the young eaglet grow into a mature adult, using discomfort and adversity to do it. When it is time for the eaglet to learn to fly, the mother begins to remove the comfort layers from the nest, exposing the pricks and sticks. She doesn’t do it to hurt them, but to prepare them for their destiny. James 1:2-4; Deuteronomy 32:10-11. God will let you face adversity, He will even let you suffer the consequences of your sin, but when we face difficult times, we should rejoice, because it is in adversity that we grow strong in the things of God. 1 Peter 5:10.
e). Eaglets hunting & surviving for themselves: Hunting in eagles seems to be an innate behaviour and skill, but it also has to be practiced. As soon as they are born eagles learn to use their beaks and talons to feed on meat and flesh of their prey that their parents have brought to the nest. They develop this by watching the parents, and also play fighting with each other in the nest, trying to mimic what they have seen their parents doing when they go out for the hunt. Philippians 3:17; Romans 15:4
CONCLUSION: As the saying goes, ageing is compulsory, but maturity is optional. If you want true success in life, true prosperity, meditate on the Word of God. Are you hunting the Scriptures for yourself yet? Joshua 1:8.
