DEVOTION: The Lion of Judah ~ by Shirley Corder

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. . . "  Revelation 5:5 NIV

Many years ago, the lion ruled the plains of Africa, intimidating any whom he came across with his powerful roar which can be heard up to 8 kms (5 miles) away.

The male lion, distinguished by his majestic mane, is very much the head of the family, and is protective of his pride.

Scripture occasionally refers to Jesus Christ as a lion. They will follow the LORD; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west. (Hosea 11:10)

Do our books, particularly our children's books, sometimes portray Jesus as docile and loving? Do we forget that Jesus is God? 

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, goes the well-known hymn. If we were to sit in the safety of our cars, we might be mislead into thinking a lion is gentle, meek and mild, especially when he allows his cheeky cubs to jump all over him. But one roar from that mighty throat, and the kids leap for safety and give him the respect he deserves. 

Jesus can be gentle when that's what we need. He loves us, and He protects His children. But He is no pushover, and we would do well to remember that. 

In exactly two months' time, we will celebrate the coming of our Lord into this earth. That was no weak gesture. He came to stand in the gap for you and for me. He came to give Himself as a sacrifice on the cross. He came as the Lion of Judah, a mighty conquering king, who would overcome death. 

Jesus is Lord! He is mighty. He is God. Let us recognize the Baby of Bethlehem, not as a helpless infant, but as a mighty King, come to protect His own. 

SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.

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Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at  RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.