From Eagles’ Wings to Hornets’ Stings

In this message following Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, Chuck Swindoll focuses on the vital necessity of preparation before any great project. Just as a gardener must prepare the soil or a painter must prepare the surface, God stopped the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai to transform them from a "grumbling group of nomads" into a "kingdom of priests" [1–4]. Swindoll notes that while the Exodus from Egypt was a display of God carrying them on "eagle’s wings" (grace and ease), the conquest of Canaan would require "hornets’ stings" (conflict and perseverance). The sermon contrasts the miraculous speed of their deliverance with the "little by little" process required for their inheritance. Swindoll examines Exodus 19, where Moses returns to the very mountain where he saw the burning bush, fulfilling God’s specific promise that the people would worship there [13–18]. At Sinai, God demands that the people take Him seriously, manifesting His presence through thunder, lightning, and smoke to instill a healthy fear and reverence in them [37–38]. Turning to Exodus 23, Swindoll explores God’s promises regarding the future entry into Canaan. God assures them He will send His terror—and specifically "hornets"—ahead of them to drive out the enemy. However, this victory would not be instantaneous; it would happen "little by little" to ensure the people could manage the land. Swindoll concludes by challenging the listener to apply this to their own lives: whether facing a building project or personal transition, believers must take God seriously (pursuing holiness) and trust God completely (focusing on objectives rather than obstacles) [50, 56–57].

Message Key Facts:

• The Title Explained: Swindoll derives the title from two contrasting verses. Exodus 19:4 describes the deliverance from Egypt as God bearing the people on "eagle's wings" (swift, gracious deliverance). Exodus 23:28 describes the conquest of Canaan as God sending "hornets" ahead of them (a painful, combative process to drive out enemies).
• The Principle of Preparation: Swindoll argues that "preparation is a major part of any project." He cites historical examples: Noah spent 120 years building the ark; Joseph spent 13 years in hardship to prepare for the famine; and Jesus came only in the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4) after centuries of preparation [4, 8–10].
• Moses’ Full Circle: In Exodus 3, God promised an 80-year-old, insecure Moses that a specific sign of his success would be returning to "this mountain" to worship. In Exodus 19, Moses stands at that exact spot with the nation, fulfilling the prophecy. Swindoll imagines Moses’ emotional reflection on God’s faithfulness at this site [13–17].
• The Adopted Son Illustration: To illustrate the transition of learning to trust authority, Swindoll tells the story of a couple who adopted a teenager from the streets of Moscow. Just as the boy had to unlearn the survival instincts of the streets to trust his loving parents, Israel had to unlearn the "Egyptian lifestyle" to trust their Heavenly Father [28–32].
• "Little by Little": A key insight from Exodus 23:30 is that God does not always grant instant victory. He drove out the Canaanites "little by little" so the land would not become desolate or unmanageable. Swindoll applies this to church growth and personal maturity—progress is often gradual.
• The Wasp Invasion: Swindoll shares a humorous personal story about visiting his grandfather's bay cottage, which was infested with wasps—crunching underfoot and hiding in window shades. He uses this to visualize the "hornets" God promised to send against the Canaanites [46–48].
• The Two Goats: Swindoll closes with a fable about two goats meeting on a narrow path where neither could pass. Instead of fighting and falling, one knelt so the other could walk over him. This illustrates the humility required to keep a community united during difficult transitions.

Message References:

• Exodus 19:1–6: The arrival at Sinai and God’s declaration that He carried Israel on "eagle's wings" to make them a "kingdom of priests" [3–4].
• Exodus 3:10–12: God’s initial promise to Moses at the burning bush that he would bring the people back to this specific mountain [13–16].
• Exodus 23:20–33: The specific promises regarding the conquest of Canaan, including the angel's protection and the driving out of enemies [39–43].
• Exodus 23:28: "I will send hornets ahead of you so that they will drive out the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites before you".
• Exodus 23:30: "I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land".
• Galatians 4:4: Referenced to show God’s perfect timing in preparation: "When the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son".

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll