The Heart of a Lion

Whenever I think of a lion, I don't think of the one in the wizard of oz. I think of the one that you see on the nature channels. I see the big and powerful kind that can tear your head off. I guess the heart of a lion is big as well. Having the heart of a lion can mean many different things to many different folks.The heart of a lion provokes a lot of different images in my mind. I see the lion as all heart when he is on the hunt. He is completely dedicated to the task at hand and very calculating in his approach. It seems to me that the heart of the lion during the hunt is all about staying focused. The lion seems so innocent when you see pictures of him on T.V. lying in some long grassy field while playing with his young. I guess that he is big hearted there as well but you certainly don't want to disturb him.

Jesus was called both a lamb and a lion in the scriptures. I find that to be an amazing combination. Sheep are so quiet and un-assuming. They don't draw much attention to themselves. They need lead around by sheep dogs and shepherds. The more I think about Jesus as both Lion and Lamb the more I begin to see how Jesus lived his life and that maybe we are to live that way too. A simple life is one that is quiet and un-assuming. It's a life that doesn't draw attention to itself as well, but what about those times when Jesus became a lion. He seemed to be stirred at injustice and false religion. He turned over the tables of the money lenders and rebuked them publicly. That was the lion in him.

I don't think that it would be healthy to live your life constantly like the lion. You would always be on the hunt and using your power at will but there has to be a time when we become ferocious with our faith. I've had that happen to me many times especially when I hear people blame or de-value God and His love for us. Something rises up deep inside of me and I go on the attack because I know Him. I know His great love and long suffering for us.

I have concluded that the lifestyle of Jesus is the best one for me. I need to live a quiet and simple life so that I can live in peace and yet I must have a lions heart of conviction when the opportunity presents itself.

Sounds like a plan? Sounds like His plan.