在世界上许多地方,鸟类的活动成为人类文化的重要组成部份。只要看看各国的国旗、邮票、硬币和钞票,你就会看到各种各样有翅膀的生物。
你知道你住的地方有什么鸟吗?加拿大喜欢潜鸟,因为它传达了孤独与宁静。中国看重鹳,因为它象征着长寿和智慧。新西兰喜欢几维鸟,因为它的独特性,而印度偏爱孔雀,认为它是不朽和复活的象征。众所周知,古埃及以鹰为保护和力量的象征,包括美国在内的几十个国家都把鹰作为他们的国鸟。鹰是真正勇猛的生物,象征着力量和独立。每当我们看到一只鹰在天空中翱翔时,都会惊叹不已,我们目睹它时而俯冲时而驾驭它巨大的翅膀飞翔,便心生敬畏。
在以赛亚书40章中提到了鹰,是神在百姓困乏和挣扎时对他们安慰的信息。我们无与伦比的创造者和护理者给了我们力量和荣耀,使我们有能力去做远远超过我们自己想像的事。
在当下的环境中,我们可能会时常感到软弱无力,但因着我们在基督里的身份,我们可以抓住神的应许,靠着祂的大能,我们将“如鹰展翅上腾”。
主耶和华啊,求你天天更新我们的力量,使我们彰显你的荣耀。阿们。
以赛亚书 40:25-31
25那圣者说:“你们将谁比我,叫他与我相等呢?”
26你们向上举目,看谁创造这万象?按数目领出,他一一称其名;因他的权能,又因他的大能大力,连一个都不缺。
27雅各啊,你为何说“我的道路向耶和华隐藏”?以色列啊,你为何言“我的冤屈神并不查问”?
28你岂不曾知道吗?你岂不曾听见吗?永在的神耶和华,创造地极的主,并不疲乏,也不困倦,他的智慧无法测度。
29疲乏的,他赐能力;软弱的,他加力量。
30就是少年人也要疲乏困倦,强壮的也必全然跌倒,
31但那等候耶和华的,必重新得力。他们必如鹰展翅上腾,他们奔跑却不困倦,行走却不疲乏。
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. . . ." - Isaiah 40:31
In many places around the world, birds are a significant part of human culture. Just look at flags, stamps, coins, and bills from a variety of nations, and you'll see a wide array of winged creatures.
Do you know which birds are celebrated where you live? Canada loves the loon because it conveys solitude and peacefulness. China highlights the stork because it symbolizes longevity and wisdom. New Zealand favors the kiwi because of its uniqueness, and India prizes the peacock as a symbol of immortality and resurrection. Ancient Egypt famously profiled the eagle as an emblem of protection and strength, and dozens of countries, including the United States, claim the eagle as their national bird.
Eagles are truly majestic creatures that symbolize strength and independence. Catching sight of an eagle as it soars high above the earth can be breathtaking, and watching one swoop and maneuver its immense wings is awe-inspiring.
The reference to eagles in Isaiah 40 is a comfort for God's people in a time of weariness and struggle. Our matchless Creator and Sustainer gives us his strength and glory, filling us with the capacity to do far more than we think is possible.
We may feel weak and powerless in our current circumstances, but because of who we are in Christ, we can hold on to the promise that in his strength we will "soar on wings like eagles."
Lord God, renew our strength each day so that we may reflect your glory. Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳