The real reason that I enjoy the study of eagles is because the Word of God makes numerous references to eagles. The eagle’s life has many characteristics of the abundant, overcoming life of a Christian. I’m thankful that Ben Franklin didn’t get his way in making the turkey the national bird of the United States. While I like turkeys, especially on Thanksgiving Day, no other bird is as regal as the eagle.

Let’s briefly consider some ways that an eagle models the life that God desires and intends all believers to have.

First – THE MAJESTY OF THE EAGLE. The study of the nature of the eagle is a revelation of God and God at work in the life of the believer. An eagle is the most majestic in its flight. It doesn’t hop around in the dirt or from branch to branch. An eagle doesn’t flap its wings to fly like a crow. An eagle knows that its ability to fly is not the result of its own strength but rather a gift of God. The eagle learns to mount up on the air currents and allows the wind to enable it to soar high in the sky for long periods of time. The remarkable eagle eye can see the earth from the heavens perspective. (Job 39:29; II Chronicles 16:9)

The prophet Isaiah tells us the “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as an eagle” (Isaiah 40:31). As we wait on God through prayer, worship, and meditating on the Word, the wind of the Holy Spirit takes us far above the things and storms of this world.

Man has always wanted to be free, to fly, and to be fearless like the eagle. Only God, through Christ, can give us the eagle life. “The wind blows where it wills and though you hear its sound yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). Are you born again by the Holy Spirit into the eagle life? (John 3:3)

Second – THE MEAL OF THE EAGLE. The eagle eats the breakfast of champions. Unlike the vulture that eats any old dead thing, the eagle catches live prey. Protein makes up its diet. Eagles especially love fish. A male eagle will faithfully feed his mate while she is brooding her eggs. David said of the Lord, “Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagles” (Psalm 103:5). What are you feasting on? Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).

Third – THE MATERNAL INSTINCTS OF THE EAGLE. The eagle builds the largest and sturdiest nest of all birds. The nest is built high on a rocky ledge. (Job 39:27-29) Interestingly, the only real predator of an eagle is a snake who tries to devour the eagle eggs or chicks. The eagle is very compassionate and caring toward its young. They protect the eaglets with their feathers and pull out down from their own breast to give a soft, warm place for the chicks. This points us to the nature of God and His love for His children. “He shall cover you with his feathers and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler” (Psalm 91:4).

Even when the eaglets are forced out of the nest to learn how to fly like an eagle, the parent eagles bear them up until they learn how to fly. “As an eagle that stirs up her nest that flutters over her young. He spreads abroad his wings: he took them, he bore them on his pinions” (Deuteronomy 32:11). You can trust God’s love for you.

Fourth – THE MATING OF THE EAGLE. The courting and marriage vows of the eagles are made at an altitude of between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. It is done by locking talons together and turning head over heels as they plummet toward the ground. Having committed to each other, they will remain together for life.

Jesus Christ laid down his life on the cross for our sins and arose victorious over death that we might be born anew by the Spirit and be one with him. He delivers us from the bondages of sin and death that we might live with Him eternally. “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself” (Exodus 19:4).

Are you living the eagle life? It’s the only true life of freedom and everlasting life. “For as many as received Him (Christ), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12-13).