Lion of Judah
I recently went on an African safari and seeing God’s creation in their own habitat put in perspective why Jesus is referred to as Lion and the lamb. It was an experience beyond our expectations.
Until now, I had only seen a lion in a zoo and always from afar. My prayer was to see a male lion in all his majestic glory. I wanted to fully understand why Christ is referred to as the Lion of Judah. By the time we left, there was no doubt why the Bible describes Christ as such.
After checking into our resort, we saw that there was an electrical fence out the back of our room. Beyond the fence was a watering hole where a variety of God’s creatures frolicked in the waters. In essence, we had become the “zoo.” We were in their domain; the ones in cage.
You gain a new level of respect for God’s animal kingdom when you ride along in an uncovered jeep and your guide and tracker don’t carry any kind of weapon or stun gun.
Lions are fierce and I knew if I stepped out of that jeep I would become their lunch. I needed to stay within the guidelines provided by our guide. “Stay in the jeep.” “Do not stand up.” “Do not feed them.” As long as I obeyed the rules, I was secure and confident they wouldn’t harm me.
During our first sighting, we came around a bend and there was a set of lionesses sleeping. They didn’t flinch. They stirred slightly, yawned, rolled on their backs, and continued sleeping. Our presence didn’t bother them and though they appeared harmless, we knew better than to get out and arouse them.
We turned a corner and in the wide-open landscape, there was a male lion sitting under a tree enjoying what little shade there was. Here we were, in the middle of Sabi Sands, South Africa, surrounded by God’s incredible creation, yet this lion held all the splendor.
His mane brought out his beauty. His rest didn’t appear to be interrupted in the slightest. He glanced at us, unbothered. This was his domain and he knew it. As we drew closer I pierced into his golden eyes. There was something mesmerizing about them. They exuded power. In that moment I didn’t feel threatened, yet I knew that within seconds his speed and strength could take me out. I understood why he is the “King of the jungle.”
No matter how close we inched forward and around him, his only movement was when he sprawled onto the ground and closed his eyes to sleep. I imagine part of why he wasn’t bothered by our presence was because he was confident in his power, strength, and speed. He knew instinctively that he wasn’t being threatened.
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14
As he looked upon us with gentleness, I recognized how large his paws were and how swift and powerful he could be. It was evident why he is “King of the jungle” and why Jesus is the Lion of Judah.
“The lion which is strongest among beasts and does not turn away for any;…” Proverbs 30:30
The following morning we set off on another game drive. Within a half-hour, we came across a pride of lions. Slowly and methodically a few began to come out of the bushes. One-by-one they walked towards the jeep and suddenly there were ten lions surrounding the vehicle.
A few sat in the road, most went into the bushes and stared or began to play. A large male climbed a termite mound and peered down at us. That was a bit unnerving. I did not see the dominant male lion.
When we finally spotted him out in the bushes, he exhibited the same behavior as the previous head of the pride. He was unconcerned with us or what the younger lions were doing, yet he sat there in all his beauty and glory. It is truly something to behold. His mane is his “crown of glory.”
Later that afternoon, we ran into this pride of ten again. They were on the move and began to walk where I was sitting in the jeep. Two male lionesses got so close my husband thought they were going to jump on my lap.
When the King finally rose, he didn’t appear to be concerned where the others were heading and I imagine the younger, inexperienced lions were confident their leader was there to protect them when the need arose.
As the King approached the jeep, there was a distinct difference from the others in his walk. With his mane fully grown it appeared as though he had endured more than any of those around him. He had more scars across his face, body, legs, and paws. He was the lion who had earned his place long ago as the dominant male of the pride and though he appeared old, he still clearly held the position. His eyes revealed a fierceness and lack of anxiety the others had not yet obtained due to their age and inexperience.
His fully grown mane surrounded his face and provided a covering of beauty, unlike the others. His look alone was how I see my Jesus. He is fierce if he needs to be, yet gentle and full of love; welcoming me into his presence. I can’t wait for the day when I see Jesus face-to-face. I know I will be mesmerized by his eyes.
The pattern I saw in all of their behavior was their confidence. They did what they wanted to. No human, vehicle, or other animal caused them to move and when they did, it was slow and methodical. They were in control.
It was time to leave.
When we were on our way out to the landing strip, this beautiful pride of lions was sprawled out onto the middle of the road. We tried to nudge our way down the middle of them, hoping they would scoot off the road a bit, making room for us to drive through, but they had no intention of doing so. After all, we were in their territory.
The King walked slowly next to our vehicle. As he faced us, we saw that he was covered in blood. They had just finished their kill. He had fresh scars, more than the others, and his mane was full of blood. There was a bit of skin from his kill hanging from his mane. He looked hurt, worn out, tired, and exhausted.
His scarred body made me think of what Christ did for me. He endured the pain so that the others could live. He is powerful, what he does comes from the depth of his love and compassion for all.
The others had some blood on them and this symbolized to me how we are to pick up our cross for Christ. We are to be Jesus to others.
“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7
I came to understand more fully the fear of the Lord and by doing so we in turn experience rest in the security of his love. He is full of majesty and glory; power and strength, and though he is fierce, his calmness and gentleness are summed up by his love. Only he has the capability to provide both.
“Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory.” John 5:5a
Do you understand that to fear God is to understand how great his love is for you? Journal an example how Christ has exhibited his Lion behavior in your life:
· How do you do see the Lion of Judah in your life?
· What does Christ mean to you personally as the Lion of Judah?
· How do you see him exhibit his power and strength in your life?
· How do you see him exhibit gentleness, kindness, and patience in your life?
As you take time to pray and spend time in God’s word, be mesmerized by his character and enthralled in his presence. Bask in God’s glory. See my Lion Dream as one way. “He is my Lion.” Jesus is my God, my King.
The more we behold him, the more we fear him, and the more we know him, the more we recognize his splendor and majesty and love. To God be the glory.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
Related post: Lion Dream. Cage: Satan is Disguised as an Angel of Light
