THE LION THAT SAID " BAA" By- Jack Klumpenhower

The Lion That Said “Baa”
by Jack Klumpenhower
7/3/2006


I admire certain world leaders and sports heroes, and I’ve had some bosses I respected and worked hard for. But few of these people are approachable. Greatness and authority breed distance. I’m more comfortable with ordinary people.

Jesus, of course, is anything but ordinary, as the symbolic images in the book of Revelation show.

The Lion

In chapter 5, all of heaven is looking for a person worthy to open a sealed scroll. Then:

“Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

This verse describes Jesus as a lion, the standard of the kingly tribe of Judah. Like a royal lion, Jesus is the ruler of all kings, guardian of every event that happens anywhere in the universe. He is all-wise, completely honorable, gloriously pure, and ferociously opposed to all evil.

Do you need a lion? Do you want significance? Do you crave a wise and honorable cause that will matter long after you die? Do you need a strong king to rescue you from evil people, or from your own selfishness or sadness or grudge-holding? For a life that tramples evil and shakes the cosmos, attach yourself to the Lion.

The Lamb

Back in Revelation, the author looks for the Lion, but sees something different.

Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered. (Revelation 5:6)

The Bible says this Lion is also a precious lamb! Jesus left heaven to become the poorest of us. He obeyed his human parents, prayed for his enemies, and invited children onto his lap. There is no one more meek, gentle, or gracious, and no one has left such a throne to embrace such lowliness.

Do you need a lamb? Are you tired, hurt, in need of comfort? Have you searched your whole life for one person who will love you, dishonored as you are, without a hint of contempt or scorn? For tenderness that heals life’s bruises and looks beyond ugly scars, rest in the Lamb.

The Complete Jesus

Or, like me, do you need both lion and lamb? Even in my day-to-day struggles to be honorable at work, or to truly love my family and neighbors at home, I have no chance without the cross of Jesus, where lamb and lion meet.

Here at this cross is Jesus the Lamb, dying for me, tenderly welcoming me when I fail. And here is Jesus the Lion, determined to wipe out my sin, to devour my enemies, to win for me the power to live a changed life. Here at last is a person worthy of all my worship—yet completely approachable.

Jack Klumpenhower is a freelance writer, communications consultant, and church curriculum writer living in North Carolina.

Read More: Read Matthew 21:12-16. How does Jesus act like a lion in this story, ferocious toward evil? How does he act like a lamb, eager to accept outcasts? What does it mean to you that he does both at practically the same time?