We tend to think of a lion and a lamb as opposites. To be lion-like is to be bold, fearless and courageous whereas being like a lamb depicts one who is gentle, meek and submissive. Most of us probably identify ourselves with one or the other but not both. However, in scripture we see Jesus’ identity as both the Lion and the Lamb.

The worst state for anyone to be in is not to recognize the need to be cleansed from his or her sin. In verse 12 of Proverbs 30 the writer describes this condition of man saying, “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” In verses 11-20 the writer identifies examples of how this ‘filth’ of sin may be present in our lives:

  1. Failure to give sufficient blessing and obedience to parents (v.11).
  2. Pride, which can cause us to be stuck-up or think we are better than everyone else (v.13).
  3. Failure to have compassion for the poor and needy (v.14).
  4. Sexual sin, which justifies itself by saying, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong’ (v.20).

It is a wonderful thing to be cleansed of these types of sin by trusting in Jesus, the Lamb who was slain.

Sometimes we may find ourselves acting like a lamb when we should be a lion and vice versa. During his earthly ministry Jesus took on powerful opponents with lion-like courage: for example, throwing out the money-changers from the temple. In Revelation 5:1-14 John tells us that, when he glimpses into heaven, he sees millions worshipping Jesus. In verse 5 John speaks of him as a lion: ‘Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.’ No one in heaven or on earth, or under the earth, is found worthy to open the scroll or even to look inside it, except for Jesus. And in verse 12 John speaks of Jesus as a lamb: ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.’ Throughout this passage we see that the predominate activity in heaven is the worship of Jesus with songs of redemption and praise.

As Christians we should joyfully worship our Lord and Savior as the ‘Lion’ of the tribe of Judah who has triumphed and the ‘Lamb’ who was slain. We should want to be more like Jesus and know when to be bold and courageous like a lion, and when to be meek and gentle as a lamb. We were created for the worship of God’s glory, which was revealed in Jesus Christ – the Lion who is also the Lamb.