Genesis 49:8-11
“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
INSIGHT
-Lion in Hebrew is written as aryeh and its characteristics are discussed in Biblical scriptures as: -courageous/strong (Pro 30:30), fearless (Pro 28:1, 26:13), stealth (Ps 17:12), frightening (Ezra 19:7; Hos 11:10; Amos 3:8), destructive (1 Sam 17:34; Mic 5:8), strong teeth (Job 4:10), paws (1 Sam 17:37) and territorial protection (Isa 31:4). Lion is also used figuratively to describe dependence on God (Job 38:39-40; Ps 104:21), kings anger (Prov 19:12; 20:2), soldiers courage (2 Sam 17:10), Daniel was protected (Dan 6:19-23). Angels with head of a lion (Rev 4:6-8), Killing of a lion by Samson (Jud 14:5-7) and David (1 Sam 17:34-37) etc.
-When Jacob was old; he prophesied blessings upon his sons who made up the twelve tribes of Israel. The blessings upon Judah revealed a unique nature of an eternal ruler-ship for the scepter would never leave him. This prophecy brings out the nature of the Lion of Judah from the tribe of David as described in Revelation 5:5. A description of Jesus Christ who possesses a rulers staff from everlasting to everlasting. The donkey tethered to a vine describes the triumphant entry and furthers a description of Jesus as the true Vine. His robes dipped in wine describes cleansing of our sins by His precious blood and His name is the Word of God (Rev 19:13). The declaration of praise and defeat of the enemy describes Jesus death and resurrection, who triumphed over the power of the Devil and won victory for us (Col 2:15). The prophecy of Judah reaffirms that God is Sovereign and His promises to us must prevail; according to the riches of His glory and He calls us to always trust in Him.
PRAYER
Everlasting Father we come before You this day with thanksgiving in our hearts. You have been there with us and for us in all things, thank You for loving us. You are the King of kings, the great I Am, the Lion of Judah, our mighty Father; all glory and praise belongs to You. Forgive us all our sins Jesus and cover us with Your precious blood. Your promises are true and right, yes and amen we rest secure in You Father. Journey with us through out the week and direct us in all our decisions and actions that we may be victorious in all things. Heal those who are sick and depressed merciful Father and fill all our hearts with Your presence. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the love of God; and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever more. Amen
Judges 14:5-7
Samson went down to Timnah together with his father and mother. As they approached the vineyards of Timnah, suddenly a young lion came roaring toward him. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done. Then he went down and talked with the woman, and he liked her.
INSIGHT
-Lion’s are portrayed as fierce animals filled with strength and highly honoured in the animal kingdom. Samson went down to Timnah; land in famous for its vines in Canaan; among the Philistines. He was confronted by a lion and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him and was able to tear it apart. This was when he sought for a wife and was accompanied by his parents. The lion seemed like an obstacle to his mission but the Lord was gracious to him for He granted him success. David also encountered a lion which carried off one of his fathers sheep. Even though lion’s are mighty among beasts and retreats before nothing (Pro 30:29-30), David was able to seize it by its hair; killed it and rescued the sheep from the lion’s mouth (1 Sam 17:34-37). In such symbolism we know that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We are therefore reminded to be watchful and sober minded (1 Pet 5:8). To always rely on God in all things; for He is our source of strength and courage. God has promised to never leave us; nor forsake us and He will always deliver us from the obstacles that we encounter in life.
PRAYER
Many are the challenges that we encounter in our lives Lord; but You deliver us from them all. We thank You Jesus for loving us. You love satisfies our hearts; we take refuge in You. O Lord Almighty Father; You rescued Samson and David when they were confronted by lions, deliver us Jesus from all the weapons that have been fashioned against us. No weapon fashioned against us shall prevail and every tongue that rises against us in judgement is condemned in Your name Jesus. Fill us with Your Spirit Lord that we may always do Your will. Be merciful Father to all those who are unmarried that You may grant them favour and success as they seek to settle down in families. Bless us indeed Father and expand our territories for the glory of Your name. Amen
Proverbs 26:13-15
A sluggard says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.
INSIGHT
-The lion has been used to describe fear and laziness in men from a wide spectrum of areas. Interestingly enough; people sometimes give excuses of not working and most of the time sadly; our Christian friends. An idle excuse being presented; that a lion is in the street, why then would anyone be sleeping, can’t it find you in bed? Often times people give excuses for not going to work sighting poor health and request for sick leave while in bed. Other times major opportunities come our way in our businesses, jobs, projects, studies, work of helps, ministry, exploration of gifts and talents, call to holiness etc; but procrastination and excuses kills our vision. Proverbs 28:19 reveals that, those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. In the most recent times; we have seen vices like gambling banned by the government to ensure a culture of hard work is inculcated in our country, including other monetary and fiscal reasons. It is important that we propagate a culture of hard-work, integrity, diligence as we seek God wholeheartedly and desist from giving excuses for the fruit of laziness is lack.
PRAYER
Fill us with Your wisdom Holy Spirit that we may always fear You and do according to Your will. Deliver us and all the members of the society from laziness and direct all those who chase fantasies to focus on more productive opportunities. You are our Sustainer Lord; provide for all our needs and uplift those who are jobless we humbly ask You. Bless the work of our hands Lord and guide us in our labour. Grant us fresh opportunities and innovative ideas Jesus; in all that we do so that we may have good success. Grant us total peace Holy Spirit we humbly pray; our hearts delight in You. We thank You Father for this far that You brought us, all wisdom, power, strength and grace belongs to You Lord; now and forever. Amen
Psalm 91:13-16
You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
INSIGHT
-The lion is the mightiest and the most fierce animal on earth. Among the four living creatures in the throne of God; we find one like a lion symbolising it’s power and strength among the beasts. We also find one with a face like that of man, signifying our intelligence and dominion on the earth with a tripartite structure of spirit, soul and body; and the Spirit of God dwells in us. All these angels are filled with unending exultation and praise to God saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, who is, and is to come” (Rev 4:6-8). God is Sovereign and worthy of all glory and worship. Daniel knew this fact and when he was confronted by opposition; he demonstrated firm faith in God. Three times a day he prayed and gave thanks to God but this got him into trouble, and was thrown into the lions den. God sent His angels to protect him from harm and the king later acknowledged that the Lord is the only true God, and he made a decree over all the kingdom of Persia that only God should be worshiped (Dan 6:10-27). God has commanded us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to worship Him alone. The Lord has also promised to protect us from all danger, to honour and satisfy us with long life for our trust is in Him.
PRAYER
Lord You are the only one true God; Your kingdom will never be destroyed and Your dominion will never end. All glory and praise belongs to You. You are the only one Who can rescue and save us Jesus; like You rescued Daniel from the den of lions; we put all our trust in You. Have mercy on us Father, deliver us from all our troubles and fulfil our hearts desires. Fill us with Your love Holy Spirit that we may love You and our neighbours as ourselves. Remember us with mercy Father that You may satisfy us with long life and show us Your salvation. Holy, holy, holy are You Lord God Almighty, Who was, Who is and Who is to come. Amen
Revelation 5:5
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. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
INSIGHT
-This chapter reveals powerful exultation’s of Jesus Who is the Messiah and Redeemer of the world. In his vision; John wept in distress wondering who was worthy to look at, open or even read the scroll bearing the secrets of God and deliver the prophesies in it. One of the twenty four elders then comforted him with the reassurance that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David was worthy. Thereafter; many angels around the throne, the living creatures, the elders and a great multitude of people are seen giving praise to Jesus.
SUMMARY
The lion is a brave, strong and fearless animal that retreats at nothing. It is the king of the jungle and protects it’s territory (Isa 31:4). God relates some of these characteristics to us by instructing us saying; “Do not fear”. Other times God tells us “Be strong and courageous”. The lion is also a fierce animal which can easily devour its prey. Through symbolism, the devil has been attributed to a roaming lion; looking for someone to devour. We are therefore reminded to flee from the devil by avoiding occasions of sin and he will flee from us. Laziness also comes out strongly through this theme and we are encouraged to work hard so that we may produce much fruit as the Lord guides us. Like a lion is fearless; we are called to walk in courage and strength, towards the purposes for which we have been created. Even though lions are viewed with such excellence; we are far much more superior than them. We know that we have been created in the image and likeness of God and God lives in our hearts. The idea of a lion has also been attributed to Christ our King and Lion of Judah, for all strength, glory and power belongs to Him. He is our Kinsman Redeemer, our Protector, avenger of our enemies, He bore our sins on the cross and encourages us everyday. We are therefore called to trust in God and not in our own strength; to rely on Him and He will make all the crooked paths straight. In all situations to give thanks to Jesus; for He loves us with an everlasting love.
PRAYER
Thank You Jesus for we have seen yet another day in good health, and for giving us this fruitful week. It is not by our power or might; but by Your Spirit Lord. You are worthy Lord to take the scroll, and to open its seals for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation. We thank You for Your everlasting love upon us. You have made us kings and priests to God and have given us dominion on the earth, all blessing, honour, glory and power belongs to You Jesus. You are worthy Lamb of God who was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, glory, honour and blessing, cleanse us by Your precious blood. You are sited at the right hand of the Father; Lion of Judah, all thanksgiving and praise belongs to You; now and forever. Amen