In Christian art throughout the ages, the representation of John is an eagle. It’s been said that John took the gospel and soared with it. No one could stop him.
An interesting fact about eagles is that they fly toward the sun. What if we all lived our lives soaring toward the Son? S-O-N.
John was the only apostle out the twelve not to be martyred for his faith. He lived to be an old man, and part of me thinks that must have been even more torturous.
You see, there was heavy persecution happening for all who chose to bear the name of Christ. John lost faithful friends, who right alongside him, were firsthand eyewitnesses to the majesty of all Jesus did.
John wrote this:
And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
-John 21:25
Those who shared his pursuit were killed along the way. One by one they were beaten and tortured and John knew it. Yet, he continued to soar passionately with his gifting.
Every gift we own was given to us by the creator. Too often we deem them ours. Our voices, our words, our fingertips to instruments, our love and kindness. But when we choose to soar like an eagle straight toward the Son, we give up those gifts and allow Christ to take ownership of them.
We have the ability to use our freewill in an act of trust and faith and then soar high in stillness. John soared through pain, trust, hope, and faith knowing what he saw was real.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
-1 John 1:1-4
John declared what he saw so that we might have fellowship with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
Friend, John was a real man who bled and cried and groaned with grief, yet his joy was full because he soared straight towards the Son. He moved in stillness within the presence of God and used every gift he possessed in the process.
At first, scientists couldn’t understand how eagles could soar straight for the sun, but later it was discovered they have protective coating over their eyes. They were designed that way on purpose by a purposeful God.
You, too, have gifts and are able to soar and stare straight into the Son. He will protect you and your joy will be full regardless of whatever grief comes your way.
Don’t be afraid to move in the stillness of God using your gifts. You were made for it.
You were made to soar toward the Son!
Love,
Jennifer
Today is Day five of my October series, The Struggle to Live a Still Life, If you missed any posts and would like to catch up, just click here.
PS: In honor of Write 31 Days I’m having a special giveaway. If you subscribe to my blog via email, Amazon will send you a kindle edition of my book, Nothing to Hold but Hope, as a gift. The offer is good through October 7th 2015.
