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I. SOME OF THE REASONS WHY IT IS NECESSARY THAT GOD SHOULD STIR UP HIS PEOPLE.

1. There is a strong tendency to spiritual indolence in mankind.

2. The danger of "settling down on the lees" is an ever-present one. The air must be kept in constant motion or it will lose its life; the ocean must flow and heave unceasingly or its waters become stagnant.

3. The heart of man is naturally timid, fearful, like the birdling, and must be taught of God in a way similar to that described in the text.

4. It is trial, experience, discipline only that can counteract these tendencies, dispel these fears and doubts, and give exercise, development, and strength to our powers, gifts, advantages, and thereby enable us to soar aloft in the blue empyrean like the mother eagle.

II. SOME OF THE WAYS IN WHICH GOD STIRS UP HIS PEOPLE.

1. The Word and ordinances.

2. Special and extraordinary means.

(1)  Revivals.

(2)  National judgments.

(3)  Personal visitation — sickness, bereavement, losses, trials, temptations, discipline.

(J. M. Sherwood, D. D.)

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KJV: As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

WEB: As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers.