I’ve heard it said, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” I’m not so sure… 51 degrees and sunny is pretty mild for March 1. Hopefully it doesn’t work in the reverse this year and come in like a lamb and go out like a lion!
Lions and Lambs. Gotta love weather forecasts that still make you think of Jesus.
We sing the song:
“Our God is a lion, the lion of Judah…
The Lion and the Lamb. Mooring, Brown and Johnson. 2018.
Our God is a lamb, the lamb that was slain…”
So great yet so gentle. So powerful yet so peaceful. So mighty yet so mild.
It’s so beautiful to know that God is a both/and God. You don’t have to pick one or the other.
You need a mighty warrior, who defeats your greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil? You got it. You need a patient, welcoming, forgiving friend who comes toward you in your deepest pain and brokenness and brings gentle healing? You got it.
And as followers of Jesus, we are supposed to become like Him.
Gentle Giants. Filled with Patience and Power. Strength and Softness.
Not either/or. Both/and.
As I’ve seen the headlines out of Ukraine, the beloved motherland of our two adopted sons, my heart is breaking. But my heart is also inspired by stories of our friends and fellow believers. Exhibiting incredible toughness and tenderness. Brave and benevolent. Looking and acting like Jesus. Lion and Lamb.
Let’s be this way in our homes. There’s times we have to be tough as parents and partners. When it will take incredible courage, endurance and strength to pursue the hearts of our kids. To forgive and reconcile in our marriages. Times we need backbone and possibly a little bite to our discipline or boundaries or expectations or communication.
But even even if sometimes you need to come in like a lion, remember to go out like a lamb. Humble. Gentle. Keeping in mind that a soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1). Remembering that even in his justice, God prefers mercy. Remembering that self-sacrificing LOVE is the greatest commandment of all.
Let the warm sunshine on your face this month remind you to be like Jesus. Lion and Lamb.
“Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5).
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Warmly,
