Exodus 19 - 5.1.24

Scripture

"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4

Observation

The Lord has brought the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, with a mighty hand. He has split the red sea, rained manna from heaven for them to eat, and brought water from the rock. Now the Israelites have reached Mount Sinai, and the Lord is about to give Moses the Ten Commandments. The Lord says to Moses, tell the children of Israel that I carried you on eagle’s wings. The imagery here is of an eagle carrying its little eaglets on its strong wings, safely to its destination. Now, think of the journey from the vantage point of an Israelite. Before each of these miracles, there was a point of utter anxiety and pain. They came out of Egypt joyfully, and reached the red sea. While relaxing on the beach, they saw the armies of Egypt behind them. They were caught between the sea and the enemy, and they thought that death was certain. But the Lord delivered them by opening up the sea, and let their enemies perish in the sea. During their journey, they ran out of food that they brought from Egypt. They thought that they would starve in the wilderness! Again, the Lord took care of them by providing manna from heaven everyday. On another occasion, they ran out of water, and they thought they would die from thirst. God provided water from the rock. At Mount Sinai, the Lord looks back at their journey and says, “see I carried you on eagles’ wings”. The Lord was carrying the children of Israel on His wings all the time. He never intended for them to perish in the wilderness. He had already planned for their provision and protection. He was always holding them. There was no need for them to panic and get anxious and fear for their lives. Their God was with them, holding them.

Application

Remember that the Lord has promised to carry us, even till our old age (Isaiah 46:4). He is our refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms (Deut 33:27). Our life on earth is not meant to be a bed of roses. Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). When you face those unexpected forks in the road, and the crises in life, remember that your Father is holding you. You are not alone. Every day of your life is written in His book even before you were born (Psalms 139:16). He who called you is faithful (1 Thess 5:24). Even though we might walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have no need to fear, because He is with us (Psalms 23:4). Look back at your life, and remember how he has carried you on eagles’ wings and praise him because you are still on His eagles’ wings. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it (Phil 1:6).

Prayer

Father, I thank you because you have carried me on eagles’ wings. When I look back at my life, I see your miraculous hand of deliverance and help. You were always with me. Thank you because you have a plan for my life, and I can trust you. Thank you because you are with me always. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). When I face difficult situations, help me to remember that I am your child, and that you are holding me. Thank you because I can trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George