The Names of God
Leon Ek Tes Phyles Iouda
“Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah”
* Have you ever seen a lion?
-
Where were you and who were you with?
* Why do think lions are called “the king of the jungle”?
Today, lions can be found in sub-Saharan Africa and in northwest India. In Biblical days, lions could be found throughout the entire middle east. Their images have graced thrones, palaces and temples including the temple in Jerusalem. First Kings ten indicates that King’s Solomon’s throne was adorned with twelve lions.
-
He is worthy to “open the scrolls”
Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah, is “worthy to open the scrolls”. This means He is charge of history and how the world’s destiny unfolds.
The events in your life and in the world right now are not arbitrary. They are all part of a plan. Things are not falling apart so much as they are falling together!
Psalm 67:2
That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
God’s ultimate plan is the redemption (salvation) of the world. Each one of us plays a part in Gods plan by being a good witness and steward of the time we’ve been given.
2. Safety in Gods hands.
The lion of the tribe of Judah is watching over you with fierce and protective love.
We tend to see two sides of lions. On one side we see adult lions gently and tenderly playing with and tending to their cubs. On the other side we see the raw power of their speed and domination over the animal kingdom. In like manner, the lion of the tribe of Judah gently takes care of His own and at the same time, defends them.
We are living in uncertain and fearful times but Psalm 91 has a promise for believers:
Psalm 91.7
“Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you”
Just as a lion watches over her cubs, God is watching over you. We don’t test Him by taking unnecessary risks but we do trust Him.
* How does knowing this affect the way you face your fears?
* What reaction do you think you’d get if you showed up and your next event with a real lion by your side?
3. The lion and the lamb
I love the fact that the Bible presents Jesus as both a lion and a lamb. What a perfect picture. What is more impressive than a ferocious lion? And what is meeker than a little lamb?
I find it amazing that this Lion, with all His power, came to earth as a submissive lamb. The Bible says,
"He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
When Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, He could have overpowered him and the Roman garrison with a word. But He didn’t. Instead, He submitted as a lamb and died for the sins of the world.
And this Lamb still bears on His resurrected body the effects of the crucifixion. The only manmade effects in Heaven are the marks of the crucifixion. And throughout all eternity, they will serve as reminders of what Jesus did for us.