THE LION, THE BEAR, AND THE LAMB, OH MY!

[prophetess m. brignac]

Through out scripture, many references are made regarding a wide assortment of animals from Genesis to Revelations. They are used in allegories, parables, and other illustrations, even as types and shadows of the Very Christ. Animals were among God's first creations, even before He "made Him a "man"! It is apparent that these creatures would play a very relevant , and important part in the unfolding of "man's" destiny, God's plan for 'humanity", and the evolution of what we know as the world. Christ has been referred to as both "The Lamb of God", Who came to take away the sins of the world, as well as the ", Lion of the tribe of Judah"! These two depictions, of the "man"", Christ,and the Lord, King, are in direct contrast to,and opposition of one another. As you journey through the scriptures you will find that "man" is referred to as everthing from "sly foxes", "ravenous wolves", and "vipers", to dogs, jackals and deer, to name a few. As I was making preparation to preach a particular message , that revealed the hidden "mystique",and essence of Christ, I asked the Lord a question "Why was Jesus compared to these two particular creatures, when there was such a vast variety of others?" He answered , that it was because of the distinct and precise nature and character of every species, and the "LION" and the "LAMB" were perfect illustrations of both, his earthly character and purpose, and His position and character once He was restored back to His eternal reign. He said that He could not use a "fox", because of their craftiness and lack of integrity because a fox will seize his prey by "hook or crook": He couldn't use a mule or an "ass" for obvious reasons, they are stubborn,and determined to go their own way; He couldn't use a "bear" because they are too aggressive, they have voracious appetites (not given to "fasting") and unmanageable; He couldn't use a "pig" because they were unclean, undisciplined and too wild: He couldn't use any breed of "dog" because they are too dependent, they have vile dietary habits (they return to and eat heir own "vomit",and they have a taste for feces), and a dogs loyalty can shift with the wind. He dared not use a "rabbit", because of their out of control sexual appetite, and lack of discretion,and they were afaid of their own shadows! The deer was disqualified because even though they are "swift" on their feet, with strong hind quarters that enable them to leap and bound to great heights, their reflexes are too slow, when they are caught in danger! A "serpent" or "viper" was out of the question,and offensive even by suggestion,and satan had that position "on lock"! I asked "Why not an eagle, because they get much respect and no one takes on an "eagle", because they are fearless, and ferocious when provoked into battle, and His reply was that they are also predators, vicious and ruthless. He disqualified the "ox" because they need too much guidance, even though their strength is not matched by many! A "cow", He said, was too easily distracted and it could only provide "milk" while it was alive,and there are too many who have advanced to a diet of "strong meat", and cows will stand there and "chew on " the same cud (old revelation) forever if you let them! So after receiving insight on those animals that were unsuitable , I asked Him about thhose two creatures that held the awesome honor of symbolizing Jesus, the Christ, Lord and SAviour of the whole world. The things He revealed were more than enlightening, and they added great power to the assignment that was before me. As He began to reveal the nature of the "LAMB", and the "LION", He also reminded me that the "bear" had great significance, thoughout biblical history and that the bear is a ruthlessly destructibve beast, often used to symbolize judgement, as in the case of the Hebrew boys, who made the fatal mistake of disrespecting, the man of God, Elijah. As the story goes before they could stop laughing at their weak, and pathetic "joke", three "she bears" were dispatched to "judge" them, and they were mauled to death! Bears were also known to be so bold as to attack the sheep while the shepherd was watching, and if the shepherd was not correctly watchul and armed, the shepherd was going down with his flock! Because Christ was the Propitiation of our sins, or our Perfect Substitute, He came as the Son of Man,as the Lamb, to be slain as the only acceptable sacrifice. It was, and is the nature of the lamb to be docile ,ageeable ,meek submissive, and easily led. It was the lamb that was offered up during the Passover, and Christ, Himself, is our Passover. The Bible says how Jesus was "led" as a sheep to the slaughter", "DUMB" (unaware of the imminent danger and death it was walking into) and not bleating or making a sound, with the knife coming at his throat to end his life. Christ, however, was by no means "dumb", but He understood that this was fit and meet for Him, and that it was "for this reason that He came into the world, to destroy the works of the enemy"! No one should get this matter "twisted", because Christ demonstrated greater power and glory in that moment when "he answered them not", than the most eloquent and learned lawyer, presenting their case before the Supreme Court! There is absolute "power", in the silence of the Lamb! The Lion, is known as the "king of the jungle", and he's that creature thal all others respect, avoid and fear. They are regarded as being the "king" of all beasts, because of their ferocity, and their quickness to "handle" anything and anybody that crosses it, and to conquer and disable whatever prey he decided he wanted for "dinner" that day. The lion's power, awesome presentation, and it's beauty, even in battle, was/is awe inspiring. Now, we have Christ to whom we declare "Hail! Hail, Lion of Judah", because He reigns supreme, and there is none that would dare challenge him. He reigns, by the very essence of His power, without having to demonstrate it or put it on display , and it's at His Omnipotent Name, that every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, that He is Lord! He is the King of all kings", fierce in anger, and swift in Judgement. Even as the bears were used to execute the judgement of God, their huge, fuzzy, knees have to bow to the Lion of Judah!, whether they be polar bears, great black mountain bears, or Smoky the bear! There are yet "bears" being released in our lives to hinder, shipwreck, "maul" and rend in two, but there is still a reigning "Lion of Judah", Who is mighty and ferocious, in battle. So, we have THE LION, BEARS, and THE LAMB, and each of them has a significance in our walk with Christ, and serves a specific purpose! The most profound revelation of all is not that the "she bears" are unleashed upon a believers life, but that Christ lived and died as the "LAMB OF GOD" but He arose and reigns, eternal, as the LION OF JUDAH!!! Lions, Bears, and the Lamb, OH MY!!! HAIL! HAIL!, Lion of JUDAH!