Did you know that when a momma eagle realizes it’s time for her babies to leave the nest, she has a plan ready to implement? When the young eaglets are too big to be cared for, momma starts sending signals that it’s time to leave. She stirs up the nest. First she takes out the soft grass and the lamb’s wool, making the nest prickly and uncomfortable. Then she takes a young eaglet onto her back for a flying lesson. She picks up her baby and plants the young one on her back and flies higher and higher and then unbelievably, she turns herself upside down and lets the young one flail and struggle to fly. Before hitting the ground, mom, who’s been watching very carefully, scoops up the young one in mid-flight and ascends for another lesson! Can’t you just hear the baby pleading – “Is this really necessary?”
Yes it’s necessary, it’s crucial that the baby be taught that independence is a good thing. She must learn to fly or she will die! No one said that the lesson would be a pleasant one. When her wing muscles start to strengthen, she will learn to glide awhile and then learn to flap her wings to gain altitude. And then you know what happens, the young one remembers every drop and every fear and every struggle, and then passes the lessons on to her babies!
Eagles are one of the most majestic creatures God has put on this spinning ball. God has provided the eagles with everything they need to build their homes, abundant sources of food for nourishment, and a parental instinct that has never failed, and one we could learn a lesson from.
God likens his people to many things—even eaglets Take the eaglet, they are described as being like branches on a vine, trees by the river, a light on a hill, salt, sheep, a racer in a race, a soldier, a wrestler and as Isaiah states—an eagle. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” Isaiah 40:31 God could have likened us to any number of birds, but here he chose a majestic eagle. Eagles have been honored by nations, kingdoms and empires as king of the birds. After all, its images have been profiled on seals, coinage, emblems, flags, monuments, buildings and more.
Humans are a lot like eagles. We make our babies nest/home cozy, comfortable, loving, and safe from enemies. Like eagles we nurture, feed, protect, shelter, train, teach and in time encourage them to leave the nest and venture out on their own, to take flight and be independent. We resemble God caring for His sheep. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”” Like the baby eaglet we are destined to soar and fly to heavenly heights in the Spirit. We are to keep our minds, hearts and soul looking heavenward on Christ. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2
We are not to be nest-sitters. Like the parent eagle watches over her little ones to make sure that they don’t fall to the ground when they lose their focus or feathers while training, so God watches over His own to keep them from falling when we lose our grip on Him. “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions. The Lord alone led him.” Deuteronomy 32:11-12
When you look in the mirror each morning what do you see? A person getting older? Someone spreading their wings? Are you a person who is still being carried on God’s wings and gently dropped hoping to learn how to be independent? Still wondering, “Is this really necessary?” Depends on what you’re learning each day doesn’t it? Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:29) Jesus gives a great invitation; (1) Come, (2) Learn, (3) Serve. Interested?
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