I Brought You to Myself

 Carried on Eagle's Wings: Understanding Our Purpose in God's Story

The book of Exodus is often remembered for its dramatic miracles—the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Yet beneath these spectacular events lies a more profound narrative: a love story between God and His people. When we understand Exodus through this lens, we begin to see how its ancient message speaks directly to our lives today.

More Than Miracles and Laws

Yes, Exodus displays God's mighty power. We witness the competing miracles between Moses and the Egyptian magicians, each plague demonstrating God's supremacy over creation. We see the blood of the Passover lamb protecting the firstborn, the Egyptian army swallowed by the sea, and the pillar of cloud and fire guiding Israel through the wilderness.

But these demonstrations of power serve a greater purpose. They reveal a God who is fundamentally different from the manufactured deities of human imagination. Unlike gods with a small "g" who use people as disposable resources for their own ends, the God of Israel genuinely loves His creation and desires authentic relationship. The miracles aren't merely displays of strength—they're expressions of divine commitment.

The heart of Exodus beats strongest in God's declaration to Moses: "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to Myself. Now then, if you listen closely to My voice, and keep My covenant, then you will be My own treasure from among all people, for all the earth is Mine."

Notice the intimate language: "brought you to Myself." God didn't merely rescue Israel from oppression. He rescued them *for relationship*. Mount Sinai isn't just about legal codes—it's a marriage covenant, a divine proposal where God says, "I will take you as my people."

The Eagle's Wings

The image of being carried on eagle's wings captures something essential about God's character. Eagles are known for their strength, their ability to soar above storms, and their protective care for their young. When God uses this metaphor, He's telling us that in our helplessness, He lifts us up. In our weakness, He provides strength. In our vulnerability, He offers His protection.

This same imagery echoes through Scripture. The Messiah Himself expressed this longing: "How often I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings." We find refuge in the shadow of His wings. We are rescued not by our own power but by His grace and mercy.

A Kingdom of Priests

God's original intention was breathtaking: Israel would become "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Every person would serve as an intermediary between the Divine and the world. Though this calling was temporarily limited after the golden calf incident, the vision never died.

Peter later declares to followers of Messiah: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

This transforms everything. If you have turned to Messiah Yeshua, you're not just saved—you're commissioned. Your personal salvation, while precious, is only part of a much larger picture. You've been lifted on eagle's wings not just for your own benefit, but to become a blessing to others.

Beyond Personal Salvation

Here's where many stumble. We love the idea of being rescued, of finding peace with God, of securing eternal life. But God's vision extends far beyond individual comfort. The Israelites weren't freed from Egyptian bondage just to wander aimlessly in the desert. They were freed to become something—a light to the nations, a testimony to God's character, a blessing to all peoples.

Similarly, we aren't saved merely to enjoy our own spiritual security. We're called to be ambassadors for Messiah, making Him known to the world as servants of the Most High God. We're meant to live lives that point others toward the God of Israel.

This isn't optional for the "missionary types" among us. Every believer is called to be a light to the world. If you've attended a Bible study, listened to teaching, or searched the Scriptures, you have something to share. Your family, friends, and neighbors need to hear about Messiah. They need more Bible. They need to see what a life transformed by God looks like.

Participation Required

God could have done everything without us. He could have wiped out the Egyptians instantly or teleported Israel across the sea. But He didn't. The Israelites had to slaughter the lambs and apply the blood. They had to walk through the parted waters on dry ground. They had to speak the words: "We will do and obey."

God expects our participation. The Holy Spirit works in people's lives around you, and He's looking for you to participate in whatever manner He has for you. You need to be willing, and He will guide and direct.

When Yeshua said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments," He wasn't imposing burdensome restrictions. He was inviting us into the rhythm of life that reflects His character. The teachings—both in Torah and the Apostolic writings—aren't complicated rules designed to trip us up. They teach us how to draw closer to God and how to relate rightly to one another. They show us how to love God and love our neighbors.

Strength for the Journey

Perhaps you're thinking, "This sounds overwhelming. I don't have the ability to be all that."

Remember Isaiah's promise: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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."

God created you with a purpose and equipped you with the ability to fulfill that purpose. He brought you into the world for such a time as right now. You don't need to manufacture strength or capability—you simply need to trust the One who carries you on eagle's wings.

Your individual salvation has a purpose that extends far beyond yourself. You're part of God's ongoing story, called to make a difference by exposing others to His grace, mercy, and love. You're here to show people that there's something beyond this broken world—a plan of redemption to set everything right again.

The Kingdom of God is at hand. Step into it now. And invite others to join you in soaring on eagle's wings.

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