November 24, 2018 -- Revelation 5:5 -- Jesus, the Lion

Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.

Revelation 5:5 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devils walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

I Peter 5:8 NKJV

Two descriptions of a lion. One is ascribed to the devil as a warning, the other is ascribed to Jesus Christ, seated on the throne of heaven, for our great comfort and assurance.

When a lion has a pride--female lions and cubs--he is a fierce defender of what is his. The devil had attacked the pride of Jesus. The devil tempted Jesus--and all his temptations fell to the ground. The roaring lion the devil attacked Jesus' followers, the disciples, and Jesus prayed for them and they were spared--except the one designated for destruction. The losing lion falsely accused the Lion of Judah, Jesus, and had Jesus put to death--at least, so it seemed to the world. But Jesus willingly underwent a trial, and gave Himself up to death so that the punishment of God against sin would be spent on Jesus and all who believe in Him would no longer face God's wrath against sin. The desperate lion, the devil, had the tomb of Jesus sealed, but Jesus the Lion was victorious and death lost its power, it could not hold in its chains a perfect man who died though He had done no wrong. Death itself was defeated by Jesus the Lion, the One Enthroned in Heaven.

The devil is a roaring, wandering lion. He is defeated. He is awaiting his final execution. Be cautious for the devil is real and brutal and cornered and angry.

Jesus is the Lion, Enthroned in Heaven, seated as King and He prays for His pride, all who believe in Him. Jesus is the Lion Who defends His people, so that the wandering lion-who-lost cannot gain the final victory over the pride of Jesus. No, even death itself is defeated. Be wise believer! The devil is for now a lion, one who is facing eternity in hell, but for now is loose. Do not toy with sin, fellow believers, but claim Jesus--the Lion Who has won the victory--as Your Savior and closely follow Him in obedience.

Blessed be Your Name, Jesus, the Lion of Judah and Ruler over all. Thank You for Your victory at the cross. Thank You for Your victory over death and the grave. Thank You, for Your great protection. Send Your Spirit to keep us close to You. Forgive our waywardness and wandering. Let our words and our actions bring praise to our Father in heaven. In Jesus' Name we pray this. Amen.