Firestarters: Ignite the Faith WithinExemplo

Lion and Lamb

When you’re on safari, you really want to see the lions. I have been lucky enough to go on safari in Africa and have seen some amazing animals that fill you with awe when you see them in the wild. Elephants, giraffes, zebra - each extraordinary in their own way.

But when the lions came, it was different. We were blessed to see them at the end of our safari day, and we marveled as we saw these magnificent beasts in their natural habitat. Our guide quickly radioed to the network of other guides in the area to let them know we had stumbled upon the pride. Jeeps started arriving in every direction, cameras in hands as dusk fell. Everyone was desperate to see the lion.

Lambs are a different story. Living in rural Herefordshire, I have seen many sheep, and I have never seen that response to a lamb, never seen people flocking to a lamb in the wild. They’re cute, but they don’t command respect and awe.

Many churches, denominations, and Christians have identified Christ as the lamb. They fell in love with a soft savior they could cuddle in their arms, but this is a misunderstanding that has stolen away from the church the true nature of Christ.

Jesus’ identity is the lion; his role was the lamb.

• Reflecting on your own church background, were you encouraged to view Christ as lamb-like or lion-like?
• How has that perspective shaped your relationship with Him now?
• We are invited to lock eyes with Jesus Christ, Lion of Judah. How would doing so affect your prayer life? Your daily confidence? Your faith?