Dear Ones:
Many are the thoughts, concepts, and “speculations” about the person of Christ. But there are perhaps no greater truths that reveal His character than those represented by the words “the Lamb” and “the Lion.” We know that John said of the Lord Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (Jn. 1:29) Why call Him a “Lamb?” How is it that something so fragile, so helpless, could represent the Savior of the world? The answer is found in the word “sacrifice.” Christ offered Himself freely, no resistance, as the helpless, innocent, spotless lamb of God. It would be upon that sacrifice that the sins of the whole world, would be placed. As the hymn writer put it: “Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain.” Helplessness and innocency…without spot or blemish. This was the Lamb.
In the book of Revelation, as John peers into heaven, he is overcome with sorrow, and weeps, because “…no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, and to loose the seals.” (Rev. 5:3) No man was found worthy! It would be at this moment that an elder would say to John, “Weep not: behold the LION of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book…” (v. 5) Here we have the character of the Lord Jesus represented as a Lion. Why? He represents power, authority, sovereignty, and dominion. It is important to realize also that this lion “hath prevailed.” When faced with all the forces of Hell, He not only defied them, but overwhelmingly conquered them, and this, in order to provide us with the perfect provision of His perfect righteousness. It would take the LION to overcome insurmountable odds. Not only would He not be turned aside, but He would not fail in His quest to obtain for us eternal redemption.
So, what should this do for us? This knowledge should bring us to the crucified feet of the crucified Lord to worship. We should appropriate His character as a lamb, for we are His sheep, and in our helplessness, depend upon Him fully, following the Lamb where ever He goes. Secondly, we should appropriate His character of the Lion, the overcomer, the conqueror. We have His meekness, and His strength by the Spirit. May God give us grace to follow in His steps, as sheep who hear His voice and follow. And then, overcome through Him as we face the challenges of life before us, nothing fearing, but conquering…ever conquering.
Love, Dad