18 THERE ARE THREE things which are too wonderful for me, YES, FOUR WHICH I DO NOT UNDERSTAND:
19 THE WAY OF AN EAGLE IN THE AIR, The way of a SERPENT on a rock, The way of a SHIP in the midst of the sea, And the way of a MAN with a virgin."
Proverbs 30:18,19 (NKJV)
• Solomon with all his wisdom said he could not understand the way of an Eagle in the air.
- He said this because an eagle is a bird that has special features and characteristics. Whenever an eagle is mentioned in the Bible, it was usually used to illustrate an important point.
- In the book of Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV):
"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."
Exodus 19:4 (NKJV):
" ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, AND HOW I BORE YOU ON EAGLES’ WINGS AND BROUGHT YOU TO MYSELF."
• Eagles are a symbol of power.
- There are some characteristics found in any Eagle that should also be found in whoever would be used of God.
I. It was said: an eagle can soar above 39,000 to 40,000 feet above sea level (Isaiah 40:31). That, It is the only creature of God that could do that. - Applications:
(i) Whoever would be used of God should be able to distinct himself or herself.
SUCH should be able to rise or soar above the crowd. If you stayed or remained at the same level with others, you are not qualified to be their leader.
(ii) For you to be an instrument of honour in the hand of God, you would have to work on yourself. You do what others do not do:
19 NEVERTHELESS THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDS, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF CHRIST DEPART FROM INIQUITY.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. 21 THEREFORE IF ANYONE CLEANSES HIMSELF FROM THE LATTER, HE WILL BE A VESSEL FOR HONOUR, SANCTIFIED AND USEFUL FOR THE MASTER, PREPARED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. 22 FLEE ALSO YOUTHFUL LUSTS; BUT PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, LOVE, PEACE with those who CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART" (2 Timothy 2:19-21 NKJV).
(iii) To leave the level which others are, it will cost you something.
a. It will cost you your relationship with some people.
b. It will cost you sinful pleasures of life. And it takes a determination to do that. Your flesh might not want you to do that.
(iv) Your consecration and commitment had to be higher than that of the people you wanted to lead.
a. Your prayer life and the study of the Word of God would not be the same with others: "LET no one despise your youth, BUT BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS IN WORD, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN SPIRIT, IN FAITH, IN PURITY" (1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV).
READ: 2 Timothy 2:15
b. You would have to live a displined life. You discipline yourself in talking, eating, sleeping, and in other areas of your life:
3 SHARE IN THE TROUBLES [sufferings] WE HAVE LIKE A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST JESUS. 4 A SOLDIER WANTS TO PLEASE THE ENLISTING OFFICER, SO NO ONE SERVING IN THE ARMY WASTES TIME WITH EVERYDAY MATTERS. 5 ALSO an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win" (2 Timothy 2-5 2 Timothy 2:3–5 New Century Version).
c. You should not allow discouragement, and beware of distraction (1 Timothy 4:1,2,7).
d. Expect persecutions (2 Timothy 3:12).
II. It was also said of an eagle that It can look directly towards the sun. That, It is the only creature of God that could do that.
- Applications
(a) To be effective as a leader, you must be able to look to God. Depends on Him for all you may want to do:
"BUT TO YOU WHO FEAR MY NAME THE Sun of Righteousness SHALL ARISE WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS; AND YOU SHALL GO OUT AND GROW FAT LIKE STALL-FED CALVES" (Malachi 4:2 NKJV).
THE Sun of Righteousness being talked about in the above passage, is God. You look towards the Sun of Righteousness, God, and He will arise on your behalf in the assignment given you to do.
READ: Hebrews 12:2
b. You would have to depend on Him solely, cast your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). If you did not know how to talk to God about your own personal needs and problems, How would you be able to lead others to God? Your eyes must be fixed on Him (Psalm 121:1; 141:8).
c. A leader must have total dependence and trust in Him:
1 I WILL LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS—From whence comes my HELP? 2 MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH" (Psalm 121:2).
ANOTHER passage of the Bible says:
"EVERY good gift and every perfect gift is from ABOVE, AND comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17 NKJV). - Note: when there is a need in your life, or you are at the cross road of life in your assignment, look towards the Sun of Righteousness.
WHEN an eagle is being pursued by the enemies, It flies towards the Sun and leave them behind. Thus, when challenges of life come, look towards the Sun of Righteousness. And fly towards the Sun of Righteousness!
• You will not fail in Jesus' name.
- Whatever is contrary to your health, which God has not planted in your life, is uprooted now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
- Whatever the hold is, such is broken completely in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Peace!
TO BE CONTINUED