If Jesus was a lion, I don’t know why I spend my life living like such a low-level lanky lamb.
I walk into places forgetting about the word “heroism”. I am the sum, the bottom line and the result of other’s judgements. I forget that the blood of Jesus fills my body and drives my organs, actions and thoughts.
And, yes, while God calls us to be lamb-like
in gentleness and submission,
he also calls us to be lion-like
in devouring the Word of God and running it’s meat far and wide.
The problem arises, when we start living all
unsure and unable and unavailable –
when we start living more like a waiting lamb than a stampeding lion.
An always-lamb can easily turn into a ready-doormat,
an enabling vehicle to sin
or a wishy-washy truth spinner in the face of opposition.
They can turn into a silencer of God’s Word if they are not careful.
“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain… Rev. 5:5-6
The spotless lamb was slain,
so the “root” of courage, the small-time battler,
from the tribe of David could live on.
Do you allow your “small-time battler” to live on?
Often, I don’t:
I am afraid to shine too bright;
I may blind other’s sight.I live like a runt,
not on the hunt for those starving for Christ Jesus.Humility is my protector and defender,
because I fear the idea of surrender.
The lowly lamb, who pushes aside the ferocious lion, sometimes creates an easy road.
But, when our less than status, becomes our excuse to lay low, hide out and walk without the need for God’s protective armor, we may have some thinking to do.
Lions were a symbol of power, of force, of might.
They were the loved symbol of the Assyrian Kings, Babylonians and the like.
Adad Nirari II of Assyria (911-891 B.C.) proclaimed, “I am powerful, I am all powerful, I am brilliant, I am lion-brave, I am manly, I am supreme, I am noble.”
Assur-nasir-pal II (883-859 B.C.) confidently declared, “I am lion-brave, and I am heroic! Assur-nasir-pal, the mighty king, the king of Assyria, chosen of Sin, favorite Anu, beloved of Adad, mighty one among the gods, I am the merciless weapon that strikes down the land of his enemies.”
Powerful.
Brilliant.
Brave.
Supreme.
Noble.
Heroic.
Mighty.
Beloved.
A weapon.
I know someone like that. His name is Jesus.
The lion who was, is and always will be.
The one who moved with this intention,
with purpose, with clarity, to save us – and the world.
If there was no lion, no force of courage, no act of bravery –
he likely would not have been the slain lamb.
Jesus was the complete lion.
And now, he has passed the baton.
He was, now we are.
Do we act like it?
God is calling us to it: The wicked person flees when there is no one pursuing, but the righteous person is as confident as a lion. Prov. 28:1
The day of confidence is here.
A day to:
Seek and hear God with the brute force of a long-lost lover.
Walk unabashedly towards others with their real lottery ticket to riches.
Wear Jesus’ love on your sleeve – wear it loud and proud.
Tear down your idols that stand on anything but God’s altars.
Shout what you believe like lyrics at a rock concert.
Wrap your arms around Jesus’ blood-soaked feet at the cross.
Take pride in your noble heritage and inheritance.
Stand out and stand up.
It is a day to be ready to die for the one who died for us.
We live like a lion, so if that day ever comes, we can die as a lamb.
We are lions – hear us roar, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Heb. 3:16
I love this, Kelly: “Wear Jesus’ love on your sleeve.” Thanks for this encouragement to live boldly, trusting in god to do great things as we lay down our lives for him. Blessings on your day!
Thank you! Let’s be bold Betsy!
Roaring here. 😉 LOVED this post, Kelly. Focusing on the power, not the weakness, has been on my heart. Your post links arms beautifully w/that. One of my favorite lines: “Walk unabashedly towards others with their real lottery ticket to riches.” Hitting the jackpot today!
ROAR!!!! 😉 We are bold and strong in christ Jesus.
Wow, powerful. No, I don’t always act like it!
Me either! 😉
Kelly,
There was a time in my life when I desperately needed to be the lamb. I was battered and bruised and I needed my Good Shepherd to hold me close, protect me, and pour out His great love on me. As I have gathered His strength, I feel Him calling to be more of a Lion. Done with being a doormat, I want to boldly raise His banner high and tell the world of the hope that lies within me. Like Jesus, we are a bit of both, but those who take Jesus, the lion, too lightly are in for an awakening. Needed this today…
Blessings,
Bev
I love the picture of you as a lamb to become the lion. Powerful.
Yes friend. My word for 2015 is courage and it resurfaced as of late. I being challenged to active my faith and walk in expectancy with boldness. Reading this post brings a song to mind called Hero by AsOne. They sing about Jesus being the courageous undefeated champion and what’s what I think of when I think of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. One of my favorite movies, The Wiz has a song called Be A Lion again calling us to be courageous. This post is confirmation again for me to be bold for Christ, be bold in Christ and to be the lioness He’s called me to be.
Be bold dear Tyra. God has so much goodness stored up in you; he delights in pouring it (or roaring it) out. 😉
Your post reminds me of the movie and song “Gods not dead.” The one verse especially: “He’s roaring like a lion” I really enjoyed this post as I try not to live my life so much as a timid lamb but more like a stronger lion.
I’ve been saved for 5 years. Been through jail, prison, druga, rehabs the whole 9. But this last year i have 2 different types of emotions. 1. Humble and surrender….and 2. I build up my spirit and roar like a lion literally i scream and roar. Is this normal? Because sometimes i do it in public and wonder is it prideful. Please help me because im confused. Should i stay always humble or both and roar my head off and the devil?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on insanity
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