Lion of Judah

Hello friends,
In the past few months, I have enjoyed a study of lions and lionesses. Can I just say that lions are really fascinating!?! All the life applications that can be gleaned from the lion are really amazing. This may just be the first in a serious of posts about the lion and the lioness.
As you might know, lions roar. And there is nothing quiet about their roar. I was at a zoo last year that had several lions. As my friend and I were walking around looking at the monkeys, snakes and birds, we could hear this mighty roar ringing throughout the whole zoo. We couldn’t wait to get to the exhibit where the lion was! We wanted to hear that roar up close and personal. Once we made it over to the lion exhibit, the lion and his lioness were resting in the warmth of the sun. They weren’t about to roar for us. I was disappointed and so was my friend. We waited patiently as family after family came by and looked at the lion and lioness. We really didn’t mind waiting for the lion to roar. I simply enjoyed watching them for a while.
Anyway, the lion finally stood to his feet, stretched and then started to roar. It started off as this guttural noise and it almost looked like he had a bad case of the hiccups. As we waited a little longer, it hit me that it looked and sounded like he was working up to a roar. The roar was amazing and we could very clearly understand how his roar could be heard all over the zoo. The roar was strong and bold; proclaiming that he knows who he is and everyone else should know that too. It still makes me smile thinking about it, because in that moment there were no words to describe the awe I had of this creature.
In my study I have come to realize that both the lion and the lioness roar, but for two different reasons. In the book, “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere, describes the difference:
“The foremost reason for a lion to roar is to proclaim and protect his territory. The lion’s roar intimidates hyenas. Its power is felt without and within and alerts all that lurk in the shadows that harassment will not be tolerated. The roar terrifies invaders and sets boundaries in place.” (pg. 218)
On the other hand the lionesses roar is described in this way, “she roars to validate her relationship with the members of the pride. She will roar to call in the help and protection of other lionesses and ward off enemies.” (Lioness Arising, pg. 219)
I think it is no coincidence that Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah in Revelation. He proclaims that as children of God, we are His and He will protect us. He will not tolerate an attack on those that He dearly loves. And He roars at the enemy of our souls and warns that there are indeed boundaries that are not to be crossed. Jesus is our mighty Lion roaring out His love and protection.
In turn, as children of the Lord we are called to roar as the lioness. We are the mouthpiece of the Lord. We are called to protect the territory that Jesus has already established. Just as the lioness, we also need the help and protection of the others in the kingdom.
Friends, we need each other in this race of faith; roar, so that others can come to defend the Lion of Judah’s territory with you. We need each other and even more we need the protection of the Lion of Judah’s roar over our lives. If you don’t know this mighty Lion, then I would love to introduce you to Him. His roar is the only roar that can save and protect without the expectation of anything in return.
Until next time, be blessed!