Lessons From Lions

-September 28, 2022-

Good morning, happy Wednesday,

“A lion, which is mighty among the beasts and does not turn away from any.”

(Proverbs 30:30).

In Proverbs 30:29-31, Agur, the writer of this chapter of Proverbs switches from the small creatures to those who are majestic in their pace and stately in their walk. Today, we will look at the lion and the lessons we can learn for our lives. First, let us say that in Scripture, the lion pictures both God in power and glory, and also the devil and his attacks against us.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Revelation 5:5 says, “But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’” In this context, there was no one worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals, none in heaven and none on earth. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah, the royal tribe. Judah was the strongest tribe of all the tribes of Israel. One day He will rule the nations with a rod of iron during the Millennium. He is our King and we will be with forever. He sits at the Father’s right hand as well as on the throne of David forevermore.

The other picture of the lion is seen in what Peter calls the devil, a roaring lion who seeks to devour us. He roars and threatens us, but He can’t harm us or control us anymore. Jesus defeated him on the cross. But we must on guard against him, and resist him. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” James also wrote, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 5:7).

Thus Christ and the devil are two completely different lions. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the most powerful lion, yet He is kind, gentle and loving. The devil is an evil lion seeking to steal, kill, and destroy. He goes after God’s sheep, but we are in the hand of Christ and the Father. The devil’s power is nothing compared to God’s power,

Lions teach us some very important lessons: They are powerful, fearless, courageous, and bold. Each of these traits are vital in the Christian life. The lion has always been the king of the jungle. No other creature can challenge his power and authority. Our text tells us, “A lion, which is mighty among the beasts and does not turn away from any.”

• A lion is powerful – In our case we have no power of our own; God strengthens us and empowers us by the Holy Spirit. He gives us power to face trials and to resist the devil. This power was evidenced on the Day of Pentecost when all the disciples were filled with power from on high. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is in us by the Holy Spirit.

• A lion is fearless – Just as a lion fears no one and nothing, we should not fear. Over and over in Scripture, it says, “Fear not,” or in modern translations, “Do not fear.” It is found over three hundred times, one for every day of the year. In Isaiah 41:10 the Lord says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” There are five promises in this one verse!

• A lion is courageous – Lions are known for their courage, except the lion in the movie, “Wizard of Oz.” He was seeking courage. As believers we definitely need courage. Joshua 1:7 says, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.”

• A lion is bold – Because lions are powerful, fearless, and courageous, they are also bold. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” This holy boldness was on full display by Peter and John, as well as the other disciples in the book of Acts. Acts 4:31 says, “And when they prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Let us then rely on God’s power, be fearless, courageous, and bold. We are saints of God, God’s dear children and we should stand strong for Him without compromise. Christ is our head, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. No one can stand against Him.

Have a blessed and courageous day. Stay safe and healthy.

Living for Jesus through the power of the Spirit,

Dean