The Master Key: “Lessons from Eagles” (Audio)
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Deut 32:9 (NLT) For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. 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.
God compares Himself to a mother eagle. God declares Himself in scripture by comparing His previously unknown attributes with other attributes that are known to mankind.
“Rouses her chicks" It means "to rouse, to incite or awaken." God stirs His people in many ways including sermons, trials, the conviction of the Holy Spirit and more.
This verse is found in a passage known as the Song of Moses. In this song, Moses recaps for the children of Israel their short history and magnifies God's perfections and holiness. An outline of the passage might be:
1. God's Promise To His People v. 7-9
2. God's Perfecting of His People v. 10-12
3. God's Provisions For His People v. 13-14
In these verses we also see how God sought them (v. 7-8); He saved them (v. 9); He schooled them (v. 10 ...he instructed him...); He shielded them (v. 10 ...he kept him as the apple of his eye... ); He established them (v. 11 ); and He separated them (v. 12 ). Let us narrow our focus to verse 11. In this great song of Moses, why does God compares Himself to a mother eagle? I believe that we can learn some great truths by studying this comparison: truths about God and His people, and truths about mothers.
Male and female bald eagles mate for life
I. The Mother Eagle Speaks of the Nurturing Nature of Our God
Moses compares the work of his God in removing Israel from Egypt to the mother eagle's stirring over its young. Bondage in Egypt had been an incubation period for the Jewish people, but God, like the mother eagle, had plans for His young.
Nurture defined: to give tender care and protection to a child, a young animal, or a plant, helping it to grow and develop; to encourage somebody or something to grow, develop, thrive, and be successful
How does God nurture like a mother eagle?
1. The Eagle's Sight (God's Omniscience) It is said that eagles have such extraordinary sight that they can see an object as small as a rabbit from hundreds of feet in the air! In its sight, he eagle typifies God's omniscience. He sees and knows all. Isaiah 40:28 says "...there is no searching of God's understanding..."
2. The Eagle's Swiftness (God's Omnipresence) The eagle can fly at speeds over 100 miles per hour, and can reach 180 MPH in a dive. God does not need to travel at high speeds because he is everywhere present. “A very present help in time of need.” “Behold, I come quickly.” “Before you call, I say here I am.”
3. The Eagle's Strength (God's Omnipotence) The adult eagle weighs around 25 pounds but can pick up and carry animals that weigh between 50-75 pounds. Eagle handlers must wear protective gear to keep the birds from crushing their arms. The eagle's strength reminds us of God's omnipotence. “Cast all you care upon him, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
4. The Eagle's Soaring (God's Holiness) Eagles can fly higher than any other birds. They have been accidentally hit by jets in flight. This shows us God's holiness, which is far above all. No one can approach God's holiness. Jehovah Elyon: “The Lord God most high.”
5. The Eagle's Offspring (God's Children) Mother eagles are very protective and supportive of their young. Many animals ignore their young and some even devour them. But eagles train and teach the little eaglets. Likewise, God does not leave His children to themselves. Think of the children of Israel in the wilderness. God fed them, gave them water, kept them warm at night and shaded in the day.
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