Carried on Eagles’ Wings

You have seen . . . how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. —Exodus 19:4

READ: Exodus 19:1-6

REFLECT: If you have ever watched an eagle soar, you know of its power and broad wingspan. While other birds carry their young in their talons, eagles carry their young upon their wings, provid­ing great protection to their young. Archers cannot hurt the young ones, unless they first shoot the adult eagles.

In the Bible, the eagle is a common symbol of God’s loving pro­tection. In Exodus 19, while the Israelites are camped by Mount Sinai, God gives Moses this picture to remind Israel how dramati­cally they were rescued from harm in Egypt. God has borne the people across the Red Sea and to Sinai; they have been carried by a strength not their own. “I bore you on eagles’ wings” is an inspired message of the tenderness of God.

I find great comfort in knowing that I, too, am protected and carried by God. Often, God’s presence guards me and family mem­bers from physical harm and keeps us safe. At other times in my faith journey, I feel like I am being pursued by an enemy. Sometimes my own fears pull me down or my self-sufficiency makes me think I can go it alone.

But God is always present, inviting me to ride upon God’s pow­erful and broad wingspan. God, our heavenly Parent, longs to carry us just as an eagle bears its young upon its wings.

—Sandi Hannigan Marr

RESPOND: Like an eagle, O God, you bear me upon your strong wings. Thank you for your protection and care. Shelter me in your strength as I take refuge in you.