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LION OF JUDAH
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LION OF JUDAH
July 2022
This past Easter, as we celebrated the Lord's resurrection and victory over Satan, sin and death, the following verse was very much on my mind: "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David has conquered" (Rev. 5:5).
This verse, referring to the Lord Jesus, has captivated me for some time now. To speak of Jesus as the Lion of Judah is a strong and forceful image. He has indeed conquered Satan, sin and death and is victorious forevermore - not only for himself but for all of us who are his followers. Jesus is called the Lion of Judah to display his absolute authority and power over all creation.
OLD TESTAMENT
In the Book of Genesis, Jacob addressed Judah in this way: "Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he crouches like a lion, and, as a lion, who shall rouse him?" (Gen. 49:9).
Jacob prophesied that the "scepter" and the "ruler's staff" would not depart from Judah, "until he comes to whom it belongs" (Gen. 49:10). Both King David and the Lord Jesus, the King of Kings, came from the tribe of Judah. This is why Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah and the Root of David.
ANCIENT PRAYER AGAINST THE ENEMY
The term Lion of Judah occurs in an ancient prayer used very much in spiritual warfare against the devil and his forces. In this sense it is a kind of exorcism, or prayer rebuking the work of Satan. The prayer is usually attributed to St. Anthony of Padua but may actually pre-date him. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V, a Franciscan, had this prayer engraved at the base of the obelisk in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Needless to say, it has proven to be a very powerful prayer of the Church.
Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee before Him! As smoke is driven away, so let them be driven away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before God" (Psalm 68:1-2).
Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus Imperat!
Christ Conquers! Christ Rules! Christ Commands!
May Christ defend His people from all evil.
Behold the Cross of the Lord, flee bands of enemies!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered!
"LIVING HOPE"
This is the title of a contemporary Christian song, written in 2018 by Phil Wickham. Both lyrics and melody are very beautiful and powerful in conveying the victory of Christ. I was particularly moved by this verse:
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
The chorus also is stirring and inspiring:
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
MY SPIRITUALITY
I know that the spirituality of each individual is different, just as each personality is different. Over the years, I have found that I am led more to consider Jesus as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Some relate more to Jesus as Savior, Shepherd, Lamb of God, Infant Jesus, etc. All those titles and images are good, true and helpful. Personally, however, I find that I am most inspired by picturing the risen Lord Jesus in all His power, glory and majesty. I think that is why I have been captivated by the title of Lion of Judah.
One final note... In 1 Peter 5:8, we read that, "Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Notice the word "like" or "as." The devil is not the True Lion of Judah; he can only try to imitate Him. The devil is a counterfeit and a deceiver, and "there is no truth in him" (cf. John 8:44). Just as the sheep of Jesus' flock recognize His voice (cf. John 10: 4-5), let us learn to distinguish the roar of the Lion of Judah from the cheap imitation!
