"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth, he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
-Isaiah 53: 5-8

The Lamb & The Lion

Jesus is the Lamb of God. Sacrificed for our sins. Taking upon Himself our iniquities and failures. The greatest display of humility the world has ever seen. Having all the power and capability of coming down off the cross, He chose to stay. It is also the greatest display of love the world has ever seen. Able to free Himself and walk away from the pain, anguish and humiliation of crucifixion, He chose to stay. The Lamb of God sacrificed for us. Jesus died willingly for our sins. Taking upon Himself the punishment we all deserve. "...led like a lamb to the slaughter,..., he did not open his mouth." (see Isaiah 53: 5-8 above) Thank you Lord!

Jesus is the Lamb but let us not forget that He is also the Lion. In Jeremiah 33: 15-16 a promise is made to the Israelite tribe of Judah. "In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness." God wants His people to live righteous lives. He knows our weaknesses and sent a Lamb to die for our sins. However, in Revelation 5: 5, we are reminded that the Lamb is also the Lion. "...Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, has triumphed..." The Lion has triumphed! The Lion, a symbol of strength and power! Jesus is the Lion who is there for us in our times of need. He is able to bear our burdens. From His strength we can find our own. With the strength of the Lion we can overcome our burdens and weaknesses. We can use the power of the Lion to stand where others might fall. We can use the power of the Lion to find righteousness. A righteousness, that we cannot attain on our own, that will enable us to serve God. A power that will help us to focus less on ourselves and more on those around us who need God in their lives.

God's plan is awesome! He has us covered. Knowing our weakness He provided the Lamb who takes our sins away (see John 1: 29 below). He also gave us the Lion (remember Revelation 5: 5), from whom we can draw strength & power to face our struggles. And remember, the Lion has triumphed! Isn't that wonderful news? Share it with others. Praise God for His Son, Jesus, The Lamb & the Lion!

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you.

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" -John 1: 29

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