As we’ve meditated on the majestic and prophetic journey of the eagle, we’ve seen how it rises effortlessly, gliding on unseen winds. But today, the Spirit is slowly directing our gaze toward a greater and deeper mystery: the wind that lifted Jesus. For in truth, Christ did not ascend without cost—He ascended because He descended. He soared because He surrendered. The true flight of the Son of God was not first upward—it was downward, into humility, obedience, and sacrifice.

Even the eagle, before it soars, must stretch wide and trust the current. It must descend into the valley at times to gain the momentum needed for the climb. So too, Jesus—though He was in the form of God—chose to humble Himself, descending into the limitations of humanity. He laid aside His divine privileges and walked among us not just as God, but as a Servant. This is the mystery of His victorious life.

Before the cross, He lived with power under control—meekness. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out devils, but never for display. Like an eagle gliding silently across the skies, Jesus moved in calm dominion. His authority was not loud, but it was absolute. He was not forced to the cross; He walked to it willingly. That is true strength.

During His arrest and trial, He could have summoned twelve legions of angels—but He didn’t. Why? Because the wind of the Father’s will was still carrying Him. Even in what looked like defeat, He was still in divine flight. Every word He spoke, every silence He kept, every drop of blood—was a part of that holy wind guiding Him to the fulfillment of all righteousness.

The cross was not a crash—it was the cliff’s edge from which He launched into the highest victory the world has ever known. Just as the eagle dives before it ascends, Jesus descended into death, trusting that the Father would raise Him up. And He did. On the third day, the wind of resurrection lifted Him. Then He ascended, not just into heaven, but into eternal glory, seated far above every principality and power.

Beloved, this is our pattern. If you are in Christ, then your flight may at times look like descent—but it is not destruction. It is divine design. The same wind that lifted Him is available to you. Let us keep soaring, yes—but let us also understand that the greatest heights come after surrender.

THINGS TO NOTE

1. True Flight Begins with Surrender.

Jesus didn’t rise until He first laid Himself down. The same is true of every believer

1. Obedience Is the Lift in the Wind.

The eagle must obey the direction of the wind. Jesus obeyed the will of the Father perfectly—and soared.

1. Not Every Descent Is a Fall.

Sometimes what looks like going down is actually preparing you to rise higher, like Jesus at the cross.

1. Victory Is Often Silent.

Jesus didn’t need to shout His power. Neither do you. Let the Spirit do the lifting.