Eagles

            Several weeks ago I was challenged to post a Bible verse on facebook for seven days.  Finding this challenge to be a good way to share God’s Word, I accepted it. However, I knew it would be difficult because of all the verses I wanted to include. So I asked the Spirit’s help, and He led me to the seven ones I posted. But as the week ended, I felt drawn to discuss one of the verses further.  That verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

               When I read this verse, I am reminded of the last segment to The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. I enjoy that trilogy a great deal. In fact, the more I watch the movies, the more I appreciate them, and after reading The Hobbit as well as the trilogy, I find the entire series even more fascinating. But what strikes me the most is the scene in the final movie where Frodo and Sam are rescued from the lava flow by giant eagles. By the appearance of these life-saving eagles, what seems to be the end for our heroes turns into new opportunities for both of them. This scene demonstrates a breath-taking picture of rescue.

               But then what’s even neater comes from another Bible verse that I discovered in my research for this post. In Exodus 19, Moses and the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai and camp.  Moses then approaches God and He replies, “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” (verse 4)  Once again the image of eagles rescuing God’s people presents evidence of His faithfulness, His goodness and His love.

               I believe God continues to rescue His people today, perhaps not as dramatic as the eagles in the movie but in more subdued approaches.  He rescued me through His Son Jesus when I was a teenager. He gave me the Scriptures to provide wisdom and insight. Throughout my life, He’s provided family members and a variety of spiritual friends to love, to trust, to share, and to walk life’s path together. Yes, God has rescued me time and time again, and He’ll continue until I, too, might board an eagle and fly to Heaven.

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust…He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge.”  Psalm 91: 2,4