By Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
C H O F Ministry Inspirationalist

The parable of the sower, found in Matthew 13, presents a powerful lesson about the different ways in which people receive the Word of God. In this article, we will focus on the birds in the parable, which symbolize Satan and his agents working to remove the Word of God from people's hearts before it has a chance to grow and bear fruit.

In the parable, the sower scatters seeds on various types of soil. Some seeds fall along the path, and the birds swoop down to devour them. Jesus explains that these birds represent Satan and his agents, who snatch away the Word of God from people's hearts, preventing them from understanding and embracing its message.

Satan and his agents can take away the Word of God from our hearts in three primary ways:

1. Direct demonic intervention: Satan can attack believers directly, using demonic forces to create confusion, doubt, or fear, which can prevent the Word of God from taking root in our hearts.
   
2. Influence through nonbelievers: Satan can also use unbelievers to discourage or distract us from the Word of God. These individuals may question or ridicule our faith, causing us to waver in our commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
   
3. Misguided believers: Sometimes, even fellow believers can inadvertently hinder the growth of the Word of God in our hearts. They may fail to grasp the depth and significance of the Word, and as a result, they may communicate it ineffectively, leading to misunderstanding or confusion.

To protect the Word of God in our hearts and prevent it from being snatched away, we must be aware of these dangers and actively resist them. Here are some strategies for guarding our hearts against the birds:

• Stay vigilant: Be aware of the tactics Satan and his agents use to steal the Word of God from our hearts. Recognize their attempts to sow confusion, doubt, or fear, and resist them with the truth of the Gospel.
• Pray for protection: Ask God for His divine protection against the enemy's attacks. Pray for the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to help you discern and resist the enemy's schemes.
  
• Seek godly counsel: Surround yourself with fellow believers who are grounded in the Word of God and can provide wise counsel, encouragement, and accountability. Draw strength from the community of faith to help you stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

The parable of the sower and the birds serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding the Word of God in our hearts. By understanding the tactics of Satan and his agents, and actively resisting their attempts to snatch away the Word, we can ensure that the Gospel takes root and flourishes in our lives, producing abundant spiritual fruit for the glory of God.
*"This blog post was inspired by John Piper's thought-provoking article 'Beware of the Birds,' which can be found on DesiringGod.org.
I encourage you to read the original article for more insights and reflections on the parable of the sower and the birds."