SCRIPTURE:

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." Gal 4:19

WEEPING FOR THE EAGLE

I saw a vision of a double-headed eagle surrounded by a group of men and women. The eagle was evidently full of pride and as it raised itself up, the Lord's people came around the bird with a sword and began to hack the eagle to death. As it lay dying, the double headed eagle's appearance changed to that of a young eaglet (with only one head). The people of God began to weep and mourn for the loss of the young eaglet, as they watched its chameleon-like transformation.

IT'S TRUE IDENTITY HIDDEN

I discerned that the double-headed eagle was a symbol of rebellion, particularly in the younger generation and that the men and women in the vision represent the older generations. The true appearance of the young eagle had been hidden from them because of the rebellious attitude of his heart. He had appeared a threat to the kingdom of God, but on closer inspection he was not a threat, but simply a child of God that required discipline and wise counsel.

THE FATHER'S MERCY, EVEN TO THE REBELLIOUS

I was reminded of king David and his son Absalom, and how Absalom became proud and rebellious, to the extent that he attempted to usurp his father's kingdom through a coup. Absalom won the hearts of the men of Israel. He was attractive and wily. He offered false justice to those who were seeking wise counsel from the king. Absalom was eventually killed by Joab (the king's army commander), despite king David's instruction to spare his life. Rebellion is as the sin of divination, yet the Father's mercy extends even to the rebellious if they will humble themselves and repent under His mighty hand.

I WEPT AT THE ENEMY'S STRATEGY

I wept as I saw a possible strategy of the enemy unfold in this vision. I believe that Satan desires to continue to splinter relationships, especially between the older and the younger generations. Each generation may fall prey to pride, but I sense that the younger generations may be more vulnerable at this time. I cried to the Lord, and asked Him "How do we deal with rebellion?". His response was "Come in the opposite spirit", and with these words, the second part of the vision began to unfold.

INSTEAD . . . THEY FORMED A CIRCLE OF PROTECTION

I was shown the double-headed eagle once more surrounded by a group of men and women. The eagle behaved in exactly the same manner as before, demonstrating a proud and rebellious attitude. This time, however, the men and women did not take up the sword against the eagle. Instead, they formed a circle of protection around the eagle. The bird attempted to force its way through the circle, by ramming the walls, but was unable to go beyond its boundaries. The young bird then attempted to take its own life, by throwing itself from a great height, expecting to be dashed to pieces on the ground. There were some in the circle who lay down on the ground, to prevent the young bird from destroying itself. This action spoke of sacrifice and a willingness to protect the young eaglet at any cost. Eventually the young eaglet became still and a deep peace and humility pervaded the heart of the bird. At this moment, the bird transformed from a double headed eagle, to a young eagle (with one head). The transformation had taken place without the loss of life.

The vision continued and I watched the young eagle grow and become strong, staying within the boundaries that God had placed around it. The vision finished with the young eagle flying off into the horizon, soaring under the wing of a mature eagle. They flew together, with a unity that was glorious to behold.

ABSALOM OR SOLOMON?

The Spirit impressed a question to my mind, which I believe is for the body of Christ. "Will you have a son like Absalom who will die by the sword, or will you have a son like Solomon who will prosper My kingdom and usher in My Glory"?

There is a choice before the church at this moment in time. Which shall she choose? As the priesthood is restored, the church will begin to walk in the kingly anointing through her sanctification. With the outpouring of the kingly anointing, I believe the enemy will also pour out a counterfeit kingly anointing. One of his strategies in the past was to destroy the relationship between David and Absalom (father and son) through the sin of rebellion. As the next generation of radical young believers is released to the body of Christ, we (the older generations) are required to instruct them in the way of Grace, guarding our own hearts from rebellion and pride, and putting protective boundaries of Godly wisdom and discernment in place around them. Just like the young eaglet in the vision, the outward appearance of some of these young people may seem rebellious. It is our job as elders in the church, to nurture them to maturity, encouraging complete faithfulness to God and to His eternal covenants.

YOUNG EAGLE AND MATURE EAGLE, FLYING TOGETHER INTO THE HIGHER PURPOSES

The vision ended with a young eagle and a mature adult eagle flying together, entering into the higher purposes and callings of God together. The call to spiritual parenting is before us. May we bring Jesus great glory as we model the qualities of Christ in our own lives and see them replicated in the lives of young men and women that the Lord entrust to our care.

David and his son Solomon worked together to usher in the Glory of God. David recognized his young son lacked experience and he did everything within his power to assist Solomon to walk in the calling set before him.

"Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message, when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that every one may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." 1 Tim 4:11-16

Catherine Brown

ADDENDUM TO THE VISION 13.6.00

As I prepare to post this vision I have just been shown a continuation of the 2nd vision. The 2nd vision ended with the young eagle flying under the wing of the adult eagle. The two were flying in tandem. This morning I have been shown the young eagle flying for a time with the adult eagle, but then it flew off into the horizon on its own. I believe the two birds flying in unison speaks of a season of interdependence, as the apostolic and prophetic foundations are laid for the next generation, and the mentoring process is set in place. The young eagle reaches adulthood and is able to function independently through the maturation process brought on through Godly mentoring. This is confirmed when the young eagle flies of on its own. The youngster has reached maturity and is able to function independently ( I am not advocating separation between the generations, rather a co-operative working together towards unity, whilst recognizing that young people have their own unique identity, calling and expression of fulfillment of the Great Commission within the Body of Christ).