In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
I can’t believe it’s March! It happens to be my favorite month since it contains my birthday. I’m not sure where the adage came from, but I imagine you’ve heard what’s been said about how March begins and ends: it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. That is certainly the case in my neck of the woods this year. And it usually holds true since it is the bridge between winter and spring.
I’ve known that expression most of my life, but it wasn’t until the other day that I thought about how the reverse of it is the theme that runs through the Scriptures. Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the world came to earth with more of a whisper than a roar. He entered as a Lamb. It’s true that angels announced His birth (Luke 2:10-14) but He arrived as a helpless baby, although He never ceased to be God. After living a perfect life, He was led like a lamb to the slaughter (Is 53:7) to the cross where He died for our sin. His sacrifice, which was prophesied continually through the Old Testament sacrificial system, paid our ransom once for all (Heb 10:11-14, Rom 6:10). And Christ is referred to as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). On the third day He triumphantly rose from the grave (I Cor 15:4), walked the earth for forty days, and was seen by over five hundred people (I Cor 15:6). Then He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:6-11). But that’s not the end of the story.
Jesus is coming back – not as a lamb but as a lion. Scripture is very clear on this. He is referred to as the Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5) and will return with a loud command and a trumpet blast (I Thess 4:16). In power and glory He will break through the clouds and every eye shall see Him (Rev 1:7)! Hallelujah!!!
When we hear about how March comes in and out, may we think about our precious Savior Who will do the exact opposite: He came in like a lamb but will ultimately come out of heaven and return to earth like a lion.
Just something I’m anxiously awaiting along the way.
