Eagles Soar in the Bible!
“Young men grow tired and become weary. Even strong men stumble and fall. But those who wait for the Lord will receive new strength. They will lift up their wings and soar like eagles. They will run and not become weary. They will walk and not become tired.”
– Isaiah 40:30-31
Eagles Soar in the Bible!
I don’t know if it still is there, but as I waited in line to ride the Wild Eagle Roller Coaster at Dollywood in Tennessee, there in giant mural form was this passage from the book of Isaiah. Owned in part by singer Dolly Parton, she shared her faith in a unique way. The roller coaster cars are designed to look like eagles, and with feet dangling in the air, passengers ride on the eagle’s wings. A fun picture, but one that highlights God’s great love and providence.
In nature, eagles are rare. In 2017 they officially came off the endangered species list. When we see one it is special. They are large, swift, powerful birds of the air with wings over four feet who soar in a majestic manner. For this reason we sometimes find them as a picture of regal capabilities. Nebucadnezzer’s kingdom was compared to a lion with eagles’ wings in Daniel 7.
They are also found in connection to our God, the King of kings upon his throne in heaven. Eagles, sometimes translated as vultures, act in prophetic judgment by feeding on those who dare to mock God in more than one place in Scriptures. The woman of Revelation 12, often thought of as a symbol for the church, was persecuted by the dragon and “two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman” so that she might escape and be safe. We find God delivering his people from the Egyptians in Exodus 19 and protecting them in Deuteronomy 32 with the swift and decisive power of the eagle. God says “‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
And now in our passage from Isaiah we find the eternal God giving us life, zeal, and hope through his word. He renews our spirits. He restores our souls. He has forgiven us our sins through Jesus. He helps us live for him. Even when we grow old or feel weak, he is strong and he can help. Thanks to the saving gift of faith in Jesus, we are lifted up and as believers soar as if you and I were seated on the wings of eagles. And the focus of our faith? One day we will get to do more than fly in the sky, we will get to soar to heaven and be with our Lord forever! Thank you Lord Jesus!
