Facing our Lions

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to come face to face with a lion? What comes to your mind when you think of a lion?  You might think something simple like, it is a big cat, or you may think of the endearing image in the “Lion King” movie.  You may also conjure up images of an apex predator, instilling the sense of danger and fear.  Additionally, lions are also portrayed as a symbol of courage and strength.  So which image is true?  After going to Africa I have come to realize all of those descriptions have truth in their rendering of a lion.

While on my photo safari, I enjoyed the opportunity to watching a pride of lions interacting as a family.  I was amused to observe we both had some similar traits. When waking from a nap these 150-200 lb. teenage lion cubs yawned, made funny faces and  some even became grumpy while deciding whether or not they were ready to get up.  Nevertheless, these cubs are still a work in progress as they continue to mature.  At the end of the day, this family, under the watchful eyes of their mom, will be well trained and equipped for their life in a difficult world. Contemplating some of the endearing characteristics of these big cats and the importance of the family structure, a new picture was coming into focus for me.  It occurred to me, I was once again witnessing God reveal Himself in nature during my short time with these lions.  God’s abiding love for you and me has invited us to be part of His family.  Not because we are already perfect and mature, but under His watchful eyes, we too will be well trained and equipped for navigating our life in this difficult world.

We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned He had invited us to share in His wonderful goodness. 2 Peter 1

Part of my training on this expedition included following the instructions of my safari guide.  Before venturing out in the safari vehicle, I was given two seemingly simple, albeit, essential instructions.  If we encountered a lion, I was to “remain seated” in the vehicle and I was told “do not stand up,” [even to take pictures].  The guide further explained: from the view point of any lion, if I remained seated in the vehicle, the lion would consider me part of an animal that is bigger and stronger than they are.  Thus I would be safe.  But if I stood up, I am now perceived as a gazelle in a bush, which to the lion indicates, I have just become available prey.  This perception became all the more real, as one of the lions locked his eye on me from a dangerously close position.  Similarly, it dawned on me that as long as I securely abide in the family of God, I, too, am protected from all types of predators because Jesus is bigger and stronger than any dangers I may face.

Before locking eyes with a hungry lion, I had always felt comfortable with the endearing cartoon notion of a lion.  In my crazy imagination, I even had images of snuggling with one of these big fluffy cats, but after the monitoring of lions preparing for a hunt, I began to understand that lions are apex predators. Studying these lions as they were choreographing an ambush, I was impressed by how disciplined, focused and yet patient they were.  As this event began to unfold before me, I was conflicted over the reality of life and death.  Like most of us, I didn’t want to see anything killed.  Voicing my discomfort, my guide clarified very matter of factly; “one must die so others may live.”  The brutality of the brokenness of this world was on full display for me to see.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6

Of all the things that I saw and experienced in Africa, these words had the most profound impact on me.  When those words were spoken, I immediately thought, WOW, that was it … [God, once more was displaying His story through and for this world that has been so marred by sin.]  Much like the lions, we humans can yawn, make funny faces, and play around.  Humans can also be cunning, devious, and dangerous predators.  I have met people who do not believe God is aware of all their sinful activities or perhaps they believe He does not care what they do or that they will ultimately be judged by a holy God.  Whether you choose to believe or not believe, doesn’t change the story that God reveals for us in nature and history. Jesus is the solution God provided for a world spiraling out of control.  The whole message of the bible is summed up in these few words, “one must die so others may live.”  Jesus is that One who died so that others can live.  Yes, lions can be a predators but lets not forget that lions are also portrayed as a symbol of courage and strength.  Jesus courageously displayed the lion heart of God for a world desperately in need of His help.

Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed His great love for us by sending Jesus Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5

What comes to your mind when you think of a lion?  Now, for me, one word comes to mind, “Life.”  Through the lion, God illustrates His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature.  He is courageous and strong.  He is also so very patient and He should be feared.  God did for me what I could not do for myself in a world filled with death, God has offered me His gift of life.  It is for this gift — that I am so thankful.  This same gift is lovingly being offered to you as well by God.  We are coming to the time of year when we celebrate a moment of thanksgiving and the giving and receiving of gifts.  I would like to encourage you to receive God’s gift of “Life” for yourself.  I promise, you will be eternally thankful if you do.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 136