Writers find inspiration in many ways. Blogging is no different. Sometimes it gets challenging coming up with something new to write about. Most of the time, we write our blog and then find a picture to attract the attention of readers. At least that is how it usually works for me, but this week is different. My inspiration this week came when I saw the beautiful picture that accompanies this blog.

The picture is an amazing illustration of Jesus and immediately reminded me of two choruses that we sing at church. I have quoted portions of each of them that refer to the Lion and the Lamb.

The Lion and the Lamb
Our God is the Lion, the Lion of Judah
He's roaring with power and fighting our battles
Every knee will bow before Him
Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain
For the sins of the world, His blood breaks the chains
Every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Every knee will bow before Him.

How Great is Our God
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father, Spirit and Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb.

The Lion and Lamb image comes from Revelation. In John’s vision, he saw a scroll sealed with seven seals. They were looking for one worthy to open the scroll. It had to be someone with the authority to break the seals. Then, Revelation 5:5-6 says, “Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne,”

The image of Jesus as the Lion of Judah is one of power. We often think of a lion as king. Jesus is the eternal king from the tribe of Judah. The image of Jesus as the lamb is just as significant. He was the sacrificial lamb that died for our sins. Notice the scripture says that the Lamb that had been slain was standing. Jesus is the only lamb that was slain and is still standing. He stands resurrected for us.

The Lamb gave his life that we might know the Lion and live with Him eternally. But, wait there’s more, not only is this a promise for the future, but it is also for the here and now. The Lion of Judah can fight our battles for us now. He is mighty and fierce at defending us and coming to our aid when we need him. We have no excuse to live defeated. We can walk in victory. Because of the sacrificial Lamb, we have the Lion of Judah by our side.

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lambbe praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13) (NIV)