One of the interesting questions that came from one of our visitors during last Saturday’s Open Day was challenging, because we could not answer it confident that we knew the complete facts. The question? “Why do you have an eagle on the front of the lectern?”

Thankfully, Google was able to enlighten me with four aspects of the eagle that are relevant to the church. I quote:

• St. John the Evangelist:

The eagle is a symbol of St. John, who is associated with the Fourth Gospel, which emphasizes the divinity of Christ and the “Word” of God made flesh. 

• Soaring to Heaven:

The eagle’s high flight symbolizes the elevation of the soul toward God through prayer and spiritual growth. 

• The Word of God:

The eagle’s association with the Bible and its ability to “soar” to new heights of spiritual understanding is seen as a fitting symbol for the Word of God being proclaimed in church. 

• Christ’s Ascension:

The eagle can also represent Christ’s Ascension into heaven, a theme often explored in the gospels. 

• Symbol of God’s Power:

In the Bible, the eagle is also used to represent God’s might and power. This also includes His ability to protect His children. 

A passage from Isaiah 40 tells us of God’s protection of his children. The quote begins with a clear statement of the attributes of God. “Have you never heard?  Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Based on these verses, we know that we worship a God who can do what he promised and we have an assurance that our trust in God is valid and enduring.

Possibly the first reading of this passage in Isaiah suggests that age and other ailments will have a limited impact on us. I believe this is not what kind of  strength God provides. It applies to our spiritual journey as children of God. The key point that is made is that our dependence on God and God’s ability to sustain us is part of our walk of faith. “Faith is just believing what God said he will do.”

Jesus made it very clear to his disciples, and to us, that there would be difficult times in our Christian lives. These down times in our faith walk often can be when we lose our focus on God in our daily walk. It is often brought about by an unexpected event. However, Jesus promised that after his return to heaven he would not abandon his disciples, his followers. We are included. Jesus’ requirement of us is simple: we keep the faith. He said, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Jesus is present with us through God the Holy Spirit. This became a reality at Pentecost. Jesus  told his followers “you know him (the Holy Spirit), because he lives with you now. Jesus also added, “No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” Jesus is with us now.

As we come in to worship, let us look to the eagle and be reminded that our thoughts and worship will mount up as eagles. Because we come to worship our ascended Lord, Jesus Christ.