7. Be Courageous
“The lion, which is mightiest among wild animals . . . The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Photo by Mika Brandt on Unsplash
Lions were common in the lands of the Bible, and occur many times in scripture. They are described as strong and courageous. Their roaring is also mentioned. Samson's riddle in Judges 14 involved a lion carcass. Shepherds were familiar with lions preying on the flocks. Lions are also pictured in the symbolism of Ezekiel and Revelation. The ultimate symbol is of Jesus Christ. "Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered . . ." (Revelation 5:5 NRSV) This idea was used by C. S. Lewis in the children's book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where the self-giving love of Aslan, the lion, conquers evil.
Strength and courage are characteristics needed by Christians. While a lion has physical strength, we are called on to develop spiritual strength, the ability to remain steadfast in the time of trial or temptation. Courage, the opposite of cowardice, means we can be counted on to make our faith in Christ visible.
These two words, strength and courage, are used together many times in the Bible. Joshua charged the people of Israel to "be strong and of good courage." Paul urged the Corinthians to be courageous, be strong.
For Reflection: What lesson do I need to learn from the lion?
A Prayer Seed:
Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul;
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole.
From strength to strength go on; Wrestle, and fight, and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down, and win the well-fought day.
Charles Wesley, 1749
