Learning From the Birds

Jesus often used nature and natural things to give us a picture of spiritual principles and truths. In our lives today, God still uses natural things to send us a message. As we look at His Word, we see natural objects or creatures that He uses as symbols of spiritual concepts. This is probably so we can more easily relate to whatever idea He is trying to convey to us. For example, throughout the scripture, different birds represented different things. Here are a few of them.

• The Dove:

  • Symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

  • Its nature is gentle.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:16 (KJV): And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.

  • The Take-Away: This shows the Holy Spirit as being gentle and not pushy. As we are filled by the Holy Spirit, we need to surrender our nature to His and allow Him to make us more gentle, rather than harsh or mean.

• The Eagle:

  • Symbolizes the victorious believer.

  • Its nature is swift and strong.

  • Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

  • The Take-Away: As we wait on the Lord, spending time in His presence, our strength is renewed so we become strong, soaring above the storms of life.

• The Sparrow:

  • Symbolizes the value of even the small and seemingly insignificant to God.

  • Its nature is trusting.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:29-31 (KJV):Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

  • The Take-Away: You may think that you are small and insignificant, but you are so valuable to God that He is interested in every small detail of your life. Fear not, you can trust God to take care of you.

• The Vulture:

  • Symbolizes evil spirits.

  • Its nature is unclean.

  • Scripture Reference: Genesis 15:11 (NLT): Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them away.

  • The Take-Away: Just as vulture is a bird of prey and is drawn to unclean things, so are evil spirits. We are to protect what God has given us and we must run the evil spirits off when they come to steal from us. We have authority over them in the name of Jesus and can command them to leave in that Name.

• The Hen:

  • Symbolizes the mothering aspect of God.

  • Its nature is to gather, protect, and nurture.

  • Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:37 (KJV): O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

  • The Take-Away: If we will allow Him, God will gather us and protect us under His wings. He will take care of us, parenting and providing for us. (See also Psalm 36:7).

There are other birds mentioned in the Word, but we can see by the few I have mentioned that God uses natural things to teach us. Isn’t His Word amazing? God uses many natural things in His Word to convey spiritual truths to us. Numerous times Jesus used natural things to tell His followers about the Kingdom of God. Take a look for yourself and see what other examples you can find in the Bible, ranging from plants to animals to bodies of water to mountains and rocks- God uses it all to impart wisdom and knowledge to us. Praise the Lord!