Lion of Judah
by Michael Rucker
Original - Not For Sale
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Not Specified
Dimensions
4800.000 x 4800.000 pixels
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Title
Lion of Judah
Artist
Michael Rucker
Medium
Digital Art - Photo / Digital
Description
Throughout the Bible, the lion appears as a symbol of might, and it is hardly surprising that Israel’s enemies are sometimes depicted as lions. In the New Testament, Peter calls the devil a roaring lion and warns believers that he is constantly on the prowl, looking for someone to devour.
Though lions are sometimes a symbol of evil, they are also used as symbols of God’s people. Near the end of his life, the patriarch Jacob prayed a blessing over his twelve sons. When it came time to bless Judah, he compared him to a lion — hence the phrase “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Aryeh Lammatteh Yehudah in Hebrew, pronounced ar-YEH la-mat-TEH ye-hou-DAH, or Leon ek tes Phyles Iouda, in Greek, pronounced LE-own ek teys fu-LAIS YOU-dah). Jacob’s prediction that the scepter would not depart from Judah has been traditionally applied to the Messiah.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, Yahweh is sometimes depicted as a lion who roars in judgment against the nations and against His own faithless people. But He is also depicted as a mighty lion who fights fiercely on behalf of His people. Revelation depicts the risen Christ as the mightiest of all victors. He is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the one found worthy to open the scrolls of history; this means that He is in charge of history and of how the world’s destiny unfolds.
Connecting to the Name
Why do you think the book of Revelation portrays Jesus as both Lion and Lamb?
In the Bible “seven” is considered a sacred number, symbolizing perfection or completeness, while a “horn” symbolizes power. What does this say to you about how the Lamb is portrayed in Revelation 5?
How have you experienced and understood both the “lamblike” and “lionlike” nature of Jesus in your own life?
What does it mean for us “to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God”?
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the ultimate victor and conqueror, has the power to banish all fear and to watch over you with fierce, protective love. Picture this literally, then describe how this promise of safety might affect the way you face your fears.
What specific victories has the Lion of Judah already won in your life?
If you could choose one adjective to describe the passage from Revelation 5, what would it be and why? Would you call it bizarre, moving, perplexing, enlightening, or something else?
Uploaded
February 4th, 2024
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