LION

I happen to find lion’s absolutely fascinating. Lions are considered a “King” of the jungle because of their courage, strength, and their overall presence. When I look at photos of lions there is something about the eyes for me. They are intense. They are focused. They are gentle…but we know gentle is not a typical word used to describe a Lion, but look into the eyes of the Lion in the photo attached below. Don’t you find his gaze unique?

In the book of Revelation, John refers to the presence of the Lord as the “Lion of Judah”

In Genesis, Jacob says, “You are a lion’s cub Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches down and lies down, like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?”

In Hosea, it says, “They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion” – another fun fact…Lion’s roars can be heard up to 5 miles away!

Three separate references to Jesus being like a lion. Anytime I hear the word “lion” or see a photo of a lion I immediately think of Jesus. I think that is why when I see this photo and look into the eyes, I see the Lion of Judah but also the Lamb of God. That’s the special thing about the Lion of Judah…not only is he powerful, courageous, strong, but he is also gentle, humble, and loving.

Disclaimer – if I ever seen a lion in the wild, I will not likely sit to look into its eyes…so do not hear what I’m not saying. 🙂

Last year I was listening to a friend of mine share her testimony. In her sharing she brought up 1 Peter 5:8… Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I had heard that scripture so many times, but that day it hit differently. My antennae raised up and I silently wondered, “wait, but Jesus is a lion.” And then the Lord spoke something profound into my spirit. He said, “Yes, Jesus is the Lion; but the devil is a shapeshifter and will disguise himself to bring about confusion.”

<insert big eyes>

I had never given that any thought before. We know that Lucifer (the devil) was cast down from Heaven because he considered himself equal to God. He claimed that HE would ascend and raise his stars higher than the Lord’s. He claimed to make himself LIKE God…but he wasn’t God. He couldn’t be God, but he was full of pride and a desire to look like the Lord. We know that he is a liar… he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. How better to get to us than to disguise himself as the very image of who Jesus is.

So how do we know if we are in step with the Lion of Judah, or the imitator? How do we know from 5 miles away which roar we are supposed to walk towards? How do we know when we are walking into something new which lion we have behind us. It would be so easy to walk in blindly followed by the lion that seeks to devour us… but I know I don’t want that to be my story. I only want to walk in front of the Lion who is the protector, who is also the Lamb, who is worthy to open the seal. THAT is the Lion I NEED to know.

The only way to know the roar of the Lion of Judah, is to know the Lion of Judah. Though they may look alike…satan cannot be God. To know the Lion of Judah is to know what God’s word says about who He is. What are his distinguishing features that set him apart? To name a few…

The Lion of Judah is UNCHANGING – Matthew 24:35

The Lion of Judah CANNOT lie – Hebrews 6:18

The Lion of Judah GIVES life – John 5:21

The Lion of Judah LOVES – 1 John 4:8

The Lion of Judah is PATIENT – 2 Peter 3:9

The Lion of Judah PROTECTS – Exodus 14:14

The Lion of Judah WINS – Psalms 108:13

Whereas the other lion changes depending on the situation, lies, brings death, comes to steal, kill, and destroy, hates what is good, is easily angered, seeks someone to devour, and my favorite… the other lion CANNOT win.

So, what does this mean? When you are walking through anything and the “lion” approaches, check its character. Are you following the Lion of Judah that wants good for you and guarantees a victory or are you following the lion that is seeking someone to devour? Knowing and recognizing the difference will change everything. It will bring you into life from death; to victory from defeat, to joy from fear, and from confusion to certainty.

If the lion your following contradicts ANY of the traits of the Lion of Judah, that is not the lion for you! Turn away, and seek the true Lion of Judah and walk in step with Him.