Eagles, Chickens, and Loons

Dan Kunz

As I write this blog for the July 4 th weekend, all kinds of images come to mind. Fireworks,

picnics, the Stars and Stripes, John Phillip Sousa marches, and soaring eagles are all part of our

various celebrations. Eagles are part of our concept of God, as well. The Bible symbolizes

God’s power, protection, and guidance by comparing him to an eagle. Eagles also are known for

their swiftness, strength, and ability to soar above things. You may know that the original debate

over the symbol of America was between the bald eagle and the turkey! Although I love turkeys,

eagles are definitely more impressive, when it comes to national symbols. Probably one of the

all-time favorite confirmation passages is 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.

Another bird associated with God is a mother hen. Matthew 23:37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,

who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I have wanted gathered

your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not

willing.” Jesus wanted to protect his people, but they weren’t interested. A soaring hawk over a

farmyard will usually send chicks scurrying for mama and her protection. What an awesome

picture of our reliance on our Heavenly Father! No matter the problem, no matter the sin, no

matter the danger, God is not only there, but willing to help. Trust in him. Rely on him.

While fishing on a remote Canadian lake this week, my friend and I witnessed something most

people only see in paintings or photos – a loonlet (baby loon) riding on its mother’s back as she

swam along contentedly about twenty feet from our boat. No matter how big the waves or

stormy the weather, that little loon felt completely safe. If you’ve never seen a loon up close,

they are a very large bird, not an eagle or a turkey, but definitely not a chicken, either. Being a

loonlet on the back of its mother probably is like being on a barge.

The word “peace” is used over four hundred times in the Bible. Among all the comforts God

wants us to receive from his Word, peace and love and forgiveness must be the most important.

Eagles, hens, and loons can certainly be images of peace for us. Jesus repeatedly proclaimed

peace to his disciples and followers after his resurrection. He desperately wanted them to know

things were alright. He was there for them. His mission was accomplished. No one could pluck

them out of his hand. Any storm clouds were only temporary. Any enemies were already

defeated. Any waves on the sea of life wouldn’t capsize the ship. He was there!

We can not only sleep soundly, we can live confidently. Our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

is looking out for us. “An ever-present help in trouble” is an amazing comfort for us, whenever

we feel threatened or frail. We will be okay. Peace!