The Lion or the Lamb?

Last Friday I asked a question. Is Jesus safe?

The question is more loaded than I initially thought which is why I’m having a problem to write this post. I couldn’t do it for Friday’s post and I’m not any wiser now after having the weekend to think about it further. But my lack of ability or knowledge has never stopped me from moving headlong into a challenge so I invite you to come along with me for the journey to answer this question, reading through the gospel of Mark to look at the life and works of Jesus. Add to the conversation with your own thoughts and perceptions. This will be a multi-post theme.

I am so familiar with the Christmas story I can easily tune out when I hear, read or listen to sermons on Bible passages pertaining to his birth. I’ve on the story for 30+ years but this year a small fraction of the scripture in Matthew 2:16 gave me cause for pause. Herod ordered all the boys in the vicinity of Bethlehem ages 2 and under be killed. Two thousand years of hindsight later and safely tucked away in our western freedom and culture, we can say Jesus is safe but would the mothers of boys born around the time of Jesus say that?

John 1:1-2 says Jesus is the Word and in Hebrews 4:12 it says the Word is sharper than a double-edged sword, which penetrates and divides. Jesus himself said he came to bring a sword and turn sons & fathers, daughters & mothers against each other (Matthew 10:34-36). Revelation 1:13-16 describes his likeness as eyes of fire, a voice like rushing waters, large enough to hold 7 stars in his right hand and a double-edged sword in his mouth. No wonder John fell as though dead – better to play dead than be dead. These scriptures seem to say Jesus is unsafe.

But what if that’s not the whole picture? The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-26) or the demon-possessed man at Gerasenes (Mark 5:1-20) or the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11) would probably testify that Jesus was the only safe person they had ever known.

Who is right? Could both pictures of Jesus be right? Jesus is called the Lamb of God, but also the Lion of Judah. One is meek and mild – in other words, safe but the other is fierce.

Mark’s gospel jumps right into the start of Jesus’ ministry – at his baptism by his cousin, John. The scene at the baptism opens up the question – is Jesus safe? The heavens were torn open; an act of violence, of rending and dividing and out of the violence descends a dove. The dove is a symbol of peace and tranquility; the dove rests on Jesus. Is Jesus safe? Maybe, but it depends on which side you perceive him. Where Jesus goes, there is a rending and a division but we can’t forget the dove rests on him, also.

There is definitely more to discuss and discover with this topic. I love the challenge to understand both aspects of Jesus – the lion and the lamb. I want to hear your thoughts, too. What is your experience with Jesus? Is he a lion or is he a lamb?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When Love is Forced

Image
I posted something on social media that caused a bit of a stir. Perhaps you saw the original post and wanted to engage in a conversation but couldn’t because the original post was removed due to unintended reactions. If you are here to have a genuine conversation, then this is your invitation to the table. For the next few days, I will read, contemplate, and thoughtfully respond to your comments. Plus, I have snacks. She Said What?! For those who didn’t see the original post, I’m sure you’re curious. This is what I posted: The caption with the photo read, “Any forced ‘act of love’ is generally called rape. It was a deliberate choice of words, and I intentionally set privacy to ‘public’ because I wanted to provoke a reaction that would cause widespread genuine contemplation and discussion.  However, there were two matters that I didn’t fully consider: The first is that I wanted to encourage discussion but I didn't exactly leave it open to invite a conversation with me. Besides, Face
Read more

May I Have Another Serving of Law, Please?

Image
This morning, I’m challenged by the audacity of forgiveness. I mean, I’m really feeling challenged and every time I want to justify punishment and due consequence the Holy Spirit drops the lyrics from Freedom Reigns in my mind: Freedom reigns in this place Showers of mercy and grace Are falling on every face There is freedom Argh! It’s utterly frustrating. A couple who was leading in the church I formerly attended have been charged with heinous crimes. Since their arrest in spring, I’ve been grappling with forgiveness, especially since there hasn’t been evidence of repentance. The charges have been laid and their cases are in the early stages of the Canadian criminal justice system. Their next court appearance will be to set the trial dates – it could be next month or next year. My honest desire is for them to be convicted, and sentenced to the maximum term – 10 years. And if I’m truly honest, I don’t want them just to go to prison, but I want their stay to be tort
Read more

God Makes a Way

Image
I’ve recently returned from a missions experience like nothing I’ve ever participated before. I joined three other women (from United States, South Africa and Malaysia) and together we travelled to Tibet for four days. After Tibet, another American joined the team and we travelled to Bhutan for another five days of missions. In total, I was away from home for a full 14 days. Anxious thoughts plagued me for days, even before I left. I’m not typically anxious because I’m somewhat of a strategic visionary, which means I I like to plan and be prepared for all possible outcomes. This time, though, the airline called, “Fruit basket upset,” and I found myself without a flight home. Adding to my anxiety was a friend (who has a prophetic gift I trust) telling me she felt God was asking me to trust Him, and not to make any other plans or arrangements. She said I should show up at the airport. Her words struck fear in my heart. Show up?! Without a plan?! I went into a full tailspin
Read more