One lesson I've had to learn in trying to deal with the world, realistically and effectively --Matthew10:16 -- be cunning as serpents but be gentle as doves. As an idea, it is quite interesting, because of the contrariness of the two symbols. Graphically/visually, the imagery is disturbing , but strong --
The eagle invariably denotes power, strength, vision and leadership. What is less encountered is its symbolism for transformation, growth and renewal, as what the following excerpt expounds --
" Eagles are the most long-lived bird in the world. By the time they reach 40 years old,
their claws start to age, losing
their effectiveness, making it hard
for them to catch
their prey. The lifespan of an eagle is up to 70
years old. But in order to live this long,
the eagle must make the toughest decision when it’s
at 40. Their beaks begin to grow
long to the point that it
reaches its chest. Its wings are
extremely heavy due to thickened
feathers making flying extremely diificult The
eagle is left with
two choices – do nothing
and await its death or go through a painful period of transformation and
renewal. For
150 days, it will first train
itself to fly beyond high mountains, build and live in its nest and
cease all flying activities. It
then begins to knock its beak against
granite rocks till its old
beak is completely removed. When the new beak is grown, it wold use it to remove all it
claws and await quietly for all new claws to be fully grown. When the new claws are
fully grown, it would use these to remove all its feathers, one by one. Five months later,
when feathers are fully grown, with renewed strength, it begins soaring in the sky yer
beak is completely removed. When the new beak is grown, it wold use it to remove all it
claws and await quietly for all new claws to be fully grown. When the new claws are
fully grown, it would use these to remove all its feathers, one by one. Five months later,
when feathers are fully grown, with renewed strength, it begins soaring in the sky yer
once again and is able to live for the next 30 years.
In life, as an individual, in a ministry, even in an organization,
sometimes, we have to learn
to make difficult decisions so as to make room
for changes. Changes bring about renewal. And
the only way for us to
soar again is to let go
of old ways,old habits, old
life. For as long as we
are prepared to put aside our old baggage (past glory or shame, past
success or failures), be willing to
become zero, with an empty cup
mentality, we will be able to discover our potentials
and head towards a renewed perspective in any aspect of our lives. Yet, at the same time, I am
also reminded of Isaiah 40:31 but
those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles, they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and
not be faint.
I used to wonder why the Lord would associate those who wait upon him with the eagle
and not other birdslike peacocks,
chickens or turkeys. God has intended that we should soar on wings like eagles, run and not be
weary, walk and not faint. But this
could only be possible when we
hope and wait on Him to renew our
strength and be prepared to be moulded
all over again – be zero again, be still
again, be quiet again. And
the journey of renewal
will be painlful and
requires an attitude of – “ I want. I am willing”.
May this sharaing encourage you all. Finally , bold, be strong , for
the Lord thy God is with you.
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