In reading today’s passage, we notice the rulers who regarded themselves as invincible leaders of the people. They cite the city of Jerusalem as being able to protect them but Ezekiel tells them that God will allow the city to be taken captive and they will be driven out of the city. Then it is told that God’s people will in the future change so that there is hope for a new beginning. Their practices would be agreeable to God’s principles because Jesus will bring hope. 
Israel is at a stage in its history where change has to take place; much like an Eagle when it reaches a certain stage in its life, survival depends on transformation. An interesting fact about the national bird of America, the Bald Eagle is that it has the longest life-span of its species. It can live up to 70 years but to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In its 40’s, its’ long flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its’ long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its’ old-aged and heavy wings due to thick feathers become stuck to its’ chest and make it difficult to fly. Then the eagle is left with only two options – die or go through a painful process of change which last 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle hits its’ beak against a rock until it comes off and it can grow another one. Then it will pluck its’ talons and they grow back and then it plucks its’ feathers. After five months, the eagle takes its’ famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.
Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive, we have to start a change process. We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits and other past traditions. Only freed from past burdens, can we take advantage of the present? Take a few minutes to think about how this reading can be applied on this day with God. While thinking, listen to this piano piece.
In Christ Alone – Norm Hastings
Humbly pray for transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in anticipation for a secure future because God is at work on the inside. His power breaks bad habits and His protection gives courage. Pray that hopelessness turns into hopefulness while being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ day by day.
Related articles
- Ezekiel 10 – 12 Questions for Reflection (thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com)
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 
Nice post! I like the part about the eagle, and all so true. Thanks for sharing
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Excellent post Mark. I did not know the Bald Eagle goes through a process of transformation so that it ca continue to live. very fascinating! That reminds of what Jesus told Nicodemus “no one enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless they go through the process of rebirth. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NIV). Thanks for sharing a wonderful post….Happy New Year!
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Mark… A very creative and real metaphor for the process we must go through. Efforts like this are sure to get read. I must read more of your stuff. Thanks, milt
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Thanks for visiting and your comment Milt. Have a wonderful week.
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It’s so easy, when Praying to our Father, to say “I have sinned.” It is much more difficult to say, “Father, I have rebelled against Thee.” it becomes easy, I surmise, to say “Father, forgive my sins and transgressions.” While much more difficult to say”Father, transform me from my Rebellious self, into what Thy heavenly Father calls me to be.”
Pray for me that my “transformation,” much like the eagles, might bring me to longer life, a new creature and a more Christ like person. Your article hit home. Ironically, long after it’s post and right when i needed it most.
God bless you.
In Christ jesus
Michael
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I’m praying for you Michael. Thanks for your words of kindness. I also ask for transformation and to be more like Christ.
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This was my train of thought at work today as one of my clients encouraged me in the lord
Thanks , love the video
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Thanks for sharing Peter. We can rejoice because we are building from our yesterdays and being transformed each day as we look forward to our tomorrows.
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Hello Mark
Very interesting post,I really enjoyed the explaination about the eagle. Yes indeed God must push us from the nest in order for us to soar! God,s love for us causes him to reach deep inside and bring out the best He has in us,Glory to God.
Keep up the good work and thanks for your visit.
Love you brother :-))
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When times get difficult, God takes over and we become stronger because He is in control. Thanks for reading my post. May God bless you Pat!
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Captivating! I learned something new about eagles and will be taking the time to reflect on change, it’s necessity, and how it shouldn’t be viewed with despair but with anticipation. Thank you for stopping by http://lifesearchforchrist.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/promise-in-the-storm-riders-on-the-storm/ I would have missed this post and that would be a shame. God bless
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I’m glad you liked the post. Thanks for the link. God provides shelter in our storms.
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Inspiring Post, Love these words – “Rejoice in anticipation for a secure future because God is at work on the inside”.
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Thanks Darlene. When we take in the good God gives and let Him work on the inside, goodness overflows so that we affect those around us in a positive way.
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Mark
Thanks for the visit. Enjoying yours as well.
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Thanks Linda. Let us make the worship of God a part of every day.
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Change is hard to do, but very necessary to go through. Yet, the eagle metaphor gives us an example to follow. When making changes in life, it can be painful. However, like the eagle if we go through the process we will live. Ok thanks for this. I needed this.
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Some great points Janiese. Thanks for liking my post and I pray God provides peace and blessings for your day.
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Amazing…what a beautiful parallel. I have an even greater appreciation for this magnificent creature…and how God provides us with lessons of life through nature! Beautiful!
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Yes Victoria. I think God has many ways to teach lessons. Each day can be amazing because of the ways He can get our attention. He might shout to us in a thunderstorm or if we need a lift, He may paint a beautiful rainbow in the sky.
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