Dear friend,
It has been a long while since we spoke. I am sorry about this, it has
been a long period of exams and the anticipation somewhat anxiety as well of
completing my studies. God has been my Ebenezer I must say. I have just learnt something i would like to share with you. It has been the fruit of a series of prayers and yearnings
I’m pretty sure will soon culminate in something great.
The lion of Judah…does this ring a bell? I know you seem to
think it is the cliché term used in
the bible to refer to our God. Well I agree it is both of those things. However
I would also desire that you know that it is more; overwhelmingly/superbly
more. I hope that now your brow is raised and your curiosity aroused; if not do
it now. What I will share is mind-blowing- all
about God is mind-blowing anywayJ.
The lion is a symbol representing the Tribe of Judah. Apparently,
all the tribes had distinguishing symbols: Benjamin’s was a wolf, Dan’s a snake,
Zevulum’s a ship. Now Judah’s was a Lion. This is how the term the Lion of the
Tribe of Judah came to be. if you look at the accounts of wars that Judah engaged in; for everyone that they relied on God, they won. The lion of God that is always victorious. The reason why it is peculiar to this account, is a small seemingly insignificant action of Judah in the book
of Genesis.
In the beginning Cain killed Abel, and upon being questioned
by God he answers [not quite] with a question: Am I my brother’s keeper? This was
asked out the sheer desire God had for Cain to take responsibility for his
brother. Now throughout the book [Genesis] we see God trying to get brothers to
own up and take responsibility and care for their siblings, only the man Judah
does this. He desires that Benjamin would not be sold into slavery but he
himself in his stead. Though they had failed once with their brother Joseph,
the culmination of Genesis is seen when Judah takes care to protect his brother,
care for him and desire good and not harm and to give his life in Benjamin’s
stead. So finally the question was answered, you and I are our brother’s keeper. The Lord's purposes were fulfilled.
I learnt about this from a blog by Rabbi Shoshana Gefald and
was perplexed. I know you are still wondering about it and going like ...ok bring it home son...the man Jesus was
birthed in this lineage; even better referred to by the term Lion of Judah a
lot of things. Firstly, there were lions in the Israelite territory. Secondly, they
were quite a sight to behold in terms of muscle and sheer might! So next time
you hear only guys likes David and Samson killed Lions should puzzle you how
many more failed. That put into context is to allow you see the mightiest among
beasts, in its majesty, very peaceful and unperturbed. Why? Because it is on top of the food
chain, nothing can harm it. Its roar is greater than the African Lion's, it is
fierce more aggressive and alarming. Its thudding steps are unmistakable. With
that you have picture in mind let’s consider the true Lion of the tribe of
Judah; God.
He is the all-sufficient God, excellent and mighty, glorious
above all of creation! When He graces the earth with His presence the mountains
smoke and clouds are summoned to His feet, the earth quakes in fear and
trembles at His worth. In heaven, every time the Cherubim sing of His worth,
the elders and the angels bow down and say worthy IS OUR GOD FOREVER, worthy to
receive the highest praise, now and forever, Amen. He is highly and forever to
be praised! Nobody can challenge His throne He is and always will be. This is a
fraction of who He is. The Lion of God that consumes His enemies by the fire of
His glory that is ever before Him.
Something marvelous happened, He laid aside His majesty, and
He came down. The true Lion of Judah embraced Humility even unto death, unto
death on a cross (Philippians 2:8 NIV). He braced shame and rejection. He said
yes I know this Benjamin has taken your silver Challis but take me, let the
wrath due to Him lay on me, break and obliterate me. Unlike Benjamin though,
you and I both have stolen the silver Challis abused the King’s kindness Romans
5:7(NIV):
…very
rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might
possibly dare to die…
The Lion took on the attitude of a lamb, saying I will be
sacrificed for you. For Jesus it meant everything to die on that cross and pay
the penalty for you and for me. When his body lie weak on the crossbar held on
by the nails on his hands he said it is finished. King Jesus however took it all! I will be my brother’s keeper
and own up to his mistakes.
He was brutally murdered a thousand times over before His
penultimate death. And again God’s purposes were fulfilled: the LION OF THE
TRIBE OF JUDAH took on the iniquity of us and died on the cross in our stead. This
is how we know we are his brothers: Romans 8:17(NIV) calls us co-heirs with
Jesus Christ. Further is the hymn how deep the father’s love for us:
“Why
should I gain from his reward?
I cannot
give an answer
But
this I know with all my heart
His
wounds have paid my ransom”
We gain from his reward from our
brother’s sacrifice.
I had been praying for a radical
revelation of the cross that will totally obliterate my inadequacies [Louis Giglio’s
words] and so far this is the amazing truth I have picked up: That Jesus the
Lion of the tribe of Judah and the lamb said YES, BE MY BROTHER’S KEEPER,
THOUGH HE GENUINELY STOLE THE SILVER CHALLIS AND ABUSED THE KING’S GENEROSITY I
will be the sacrificial lamb. Now the Lion lives in me VICTORIOUS over sin and death.
He is my banner! Jehovah Nissi the Lion that reigns in majesty.
Again the Lord’s purposes are
fulfilled. The Lion, the lamb, my brother and King! Happy Easter everyone!
