When The LION Roars!

I wonder who gave the Lion the title ‘King of the Jungle?’ Did he take the word picture from the Judeo-Christian Bible, or did it commandeer it? The first mention of a lion is in Genesis 49:9. It is applied to the tribe of Judah, which was also the tribe considered to give Israel their king. In Revelation 5:5 we discover the full meaning of linking ‘Lion’ and ‘Judah’ together. It is a title for Jesus, the risen Lord!

There are some wonderful insights presented in the Scriptures about the lion. In Numbers 24:1-9 this term is applied to the God of Israel. What is interesting is that He is pictured as a lion on the hunt. A feature of the lion is his roar. Within the Old Testament we are told that the Lord God ‘roars.’  The prophets see Him in this metaphor as coming in judgement (Hosea 13:7 is upon Israel and Jeremiah 25:30-31 is upon the Nations.)

Another reason why Yahweh, the Lion of Heaven, is forecast as ‘Roaring’ is something God will do to Israel. ‘They shall go after the Lord, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the Lord.’ (Hosea 11:10-11) The prophet Joel tells us that the Lord God will roar from Zion and it will shake the heavens and the earth. His breath and its sound will engulf the multitude of Nations in the ‘Valley of decision.’ That will make a person’s hair stand on end. However Joel goes on to say that God, at that time, will be a refuge and a stronghold for Israel. (Joel 3:16.)

The thing I like about the Bible is its use of words with deliberate, specific and defining intent. This is especially true in regard to the character of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.  The mystery of the Godhead is always before our eyes as we read the Bible. It is once again before us when we consider the title of the Lion! Yahweh is the Lion of Israel. Jesus is the Lion of Judah, the future King of that Nation and indeed of the whole World.

The term ‘the Lion’ not only implies the Lord’s regal stature, it also upholds His warrior status. He is the Lord God of Hosts. When He returns it will be in that warrior capacity to bring His rule and reign to earth. People shy away from the image of Jesus as warrior and Judge. It means they are accountable to Him in some way or other. They prefer the babe of Bethlehem. In a manger Jesus isn’t so threatening. However, He is no longer in the manger. Nor the carpenter, or Rabbi. He is the crucified, entombed and risen Lord and Saviour. At this moment His offer is about the grace of salvation by obedient faith. That has a time limit, known only to him and also our own mortality. That is why the Bible says, ‘Now is the day of salvation’ don’t let it pass you by.

Proverbs has two quotes referring to earthly kings. I would like to apply them to Jesus Christ in His status as the Lion of Judah, King of Israel. ‘A king’s anger is like the growling of a lion, but his favour is like the dew on the grass’ (19:12). What would make Jesus angry? Our refusal to bend our knee in gratitude for His salvation! In 20:2 the author takes it further. ‘The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits his life.’

When the Lion of Judah roars from Heaven and prowls upon this earth He will not be laughing. HE comes to set up His kingdom. He comes to reign. He comes to Judge. Those who know Him as Lord and Saviour will rejoice at the sound of the roar. Others will be filled by terror.

©4.5.2015.  Ray Hawkins

All in 2 Night

By Lynne Burgess. Printed by EBP.

Reviewed This 140 page book is designed with activities for Christian families.

So why am I reviewing it? I’m retired and have a small cottage with my wife Mary. We are however grandparents! Therefore such a book can be a useful resource for when the children visit or stay for an extended period.

Also, I cheated a little! I gave it to my Daughter–in –Law. Rachelle and Craig have six children. Rachelle told me she appreciated this one even better than the first one (which I haven’t read). She found one or two sections very helpful.

For me I appreciated the first chapter. It was a simple and frank sharing of the author’s heart and the motivation for developing a program for her children. (This has since spread and been used by a wide cross section of people and a school program).

Chapter two is an honest account of her life’s journey. I found it both sad and reassuring. Sad because of her experiences which far, far too many have experienced. Encouraging because it put before the reader the grace and faithfulness of Jesus Christ along the rugged road!  I’m sure that many will be blessed by just reading  ‘The Importance of Breaking the Generational Cycle.’

Lynne is unapologetic as she encourages stay at home mums to be comfortable with their calling. She does add however ‘I would encourage any stay at home mums of babies or preschoolers to have other interests in their lives.’ Lynne then offers some ways by which this can be achieved. (Page 17)

I liked the following quote: ‘Jesus collects all the pieces of our lives and makes sure nothing is wasted. It is like looking at a stained glass window. It’s just a bunch of fragmented pieces of glass but,  when viewed through the sunlight, it becomes an amazing tapestry of colour and beauty. God wants to take the broken fragmented pieces of our life and create something beautiful with each of us.’ (page 19)

For those with young families this book will be a fine resource. There are suggestions for 40 weeks, one ‘time out’ per week. However, it isn’t a book of magical prescriptions. To make it work will require more than good intentions. A husband and wife must agree to share in it and persevere for many it will be new territory. However the outcomes hold much family enjoyment, memories and gratitude from the children as they grow in a family nurtured by love, faith and fun.

Ray Hawkins author of ‘Children –God’s Special Interest; From Eden with Love (on Marriage). http://rayhawkinsauthor.blogspot.com.au

15 - 19 July

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is Introducing

All in 2 Night

(Even Before Publishing March 2013)

by

Lynne Burgess

available at Light the dark

About the Author

Lynne and Chris have raised five children who are now adults. Lynne's practical experience comes from the quality time spent with her own children. She successfully implemented her All-In Night for over 16 years using simple yet productive activities that included the whole family. She now shares these ideas at speaking events and through her book.

About the book
All-In Night is a family routine. For one night of the week everyone stays home. By spending ten to twenty minutes together, you can learn and talk about the things that matter. Following on from Lynne's original book this set of new activities is designed especially with Christian families in mind. An activity or discussion point each week. The book includes 40 weeks of activities, designed as 1 per week of the school year.Activities include love languages, listening for God, self-esteem, the fruits of the spirit and many more. These fun and simple family activities provide an opportunity to grow values, goals, hopes, feelings and the foundation for a Christ led life. All-in Night works with two kids or ten. Let it become the heart of your family's life.