December 16, 2019

Weekly Reflection – The Lion and The Lamb

The lion and the lamb are a classic image. In the book of the prophet Isaiah, there is a passage that says something similar to, “The lion and the lamb will lie down or ‘dwell’ together.” That is not really the correct translation (it was actually the wolf and lamb, Isa. 11:6), but it has frequently been used in all sorts of literature and the arts.

I recently heard it said that each of us has a “lion” and a “lamb” within ourselves. The “lion” is that aggressive-defensive side of the personality, and the “lamb” is the peacefully timid, perhaps fearful side. Does this sound familiar?

The task we are presented with is to hold our “lion” and our “lamb” in balance. This is possible only through the savior, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, who is given to us. And it is activated through prayer, especially silent prayer.

In this season of Advent, may the Prince of Peace guide us into that peace that will allow our personal “lion” and “lamb” to lie down in peace within us.

Read more about thankfulness, I am Thankful

Editor’s note: In Revelation 5, the lion and the lamb come together in a new way. They are both symbols of Christ. 

Isaiah 11:6-9

6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea.