September 2016

Dear Neighbor,

We have a world-class raptor sanctuary in our backyard at Hawk Mountain. At this time of year, sixty to seventy thousand raptors fly over the sanctuary on their migration south. Occasionally we get to see some of these birds up close if they stop to eat along the way. If we are lucky enough to see an eagle, we can take a moment to remember who created these beautiful birds.

Eagles are often mentioned in the Word. In Exodus 19:4, Jehovah says, “I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” The Lord uses the eagle to symbolize His oversight and protection of us.

In Isaiah 40:31 we read, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” Here the Lord is speaking of the way He gives us strength to lift up our minds as with eagle’s wings above the discouragement and confusion of this world, to think of Him and heaven.

In the Book of Revelation, John saw the woman clothed with the sun being persecuted by the great, red dragon. In chapter 12, verse 9 we are told that the dragon is “that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world.” “But to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness into her place,” where she would be nourished and kept safe from the dragon (12:14). The Lord gives us spiritual wings of a great eagle, the ability to raise our thoughts to Him and to eternal life, and not be deceived by the wiles of the diabolical crew.

This fall, if you see raptors soaring aloft, think of the Lord watching over us from on high and lifting us up to Himself. And if you visit Hawk Mountain, you are welcome to stop for some good food and company at the Autumn Weekends food stand on Hawk Mountain Road, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 6:00.

You are also welcome to come to church, Sundays at 10:00 a.m., where we hope the Lord will lift you up on eagles’ wings.

Rev. Lawson M. Smith