The Bald Eagle of Eatontown!

When I was growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, bald eagles were considered an endangered species. At the time, there were so few of them that they could have easily and quickly become extinct. Think of it: our national bird going extinct! Thus, a lot of safeguards were put into place to keep that from happening. 

During those years, to see a bald eagle one would have had to travel to the Rocky Mountains or at least somewhere very remote. Today things have greatly changed when it comes to the bald eagle. Whereas in 1963 there were only about 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states, today’s population is well over 300,000 birds. And many of those birds are right here in New Jersey! 

A couple of years ago, while riding my bike at Sandy Hook (Gateway National Park) here in Monmouth County, I spotted a bald eagle perched in a tree. It was the first time I had ever seen one. Then last summer,  there was an eagle that would fly over us at the beach in Long Branch and then perch on top of one of the condominium buildings. Amazing! This week I spotted an eagle in its nest on top of one of the nearby cell towers, right here in Eatontown, NJ. For sure, the bald eagles are alive and doing very well! 

Although there are many verses in the Bible that refer to the eagle, I find two of them to be exceptionally beautiful. In the book of Exodus, God says to his people, “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 – NIV) Then in the book of Deuteronomy, Moses speaks of God’s care for his people saying, “…like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.” (Deuteronomy 32:11) 

Looking at the eagles around me today, it’s easy to see why the writers of Scripture would liken God to an eagle.  Whether they are soaring overhead or sitting guard on their nest, they are truly majestic and strong. Yet, at the same time, they care for their young with great diligence, nurturing  them and protecting them. 

Thus, what we read in the Bible is not only a wonderful description of the way God took care of his people then, but also a word of encouragement for us today. For in fact, God still takes care of his people with the strength and majesty of an eagle, as well as the nurture and protection that an eagle gives to its young. 

So, the next time you see a bald eagle, be reminded of the One who is able to carry you on his “eagles’ wings.”  

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris