Lions and Lambs
January 8, 2023 by Hally Franz
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Hally Franz –
By all accounts this winter has been a rough one, so it’s nice to finally make it to March. Though spring has not arrived yet, if the old saying holds true, this month will go out like a lamb after coming in like a lion.
Those two creatures, lions and lambs, provide perfect pictures to represent fierce, ferociously cold winter days and the gentle, sweet warmth of spring. With regard to weather and animals, both visuals signal with utter clarity an attitude or mood, and very real behavior and actions that accompany it. Both are appreciated and necessary at times, together providing balance and complementing one another.
In our faith, we typically strive to exhibit the softer spirit of the lamb. We want to be Christ-like in our interactions with others, because we hope our behavior will honor Him and draw others to Him. It seems unnatural to take on the lion’s personality. However, there are times for lion behavior as well.
When defending our Christian beliefs, standing up for Biblical truths, fighting forces of evil – none are better than the lion to be the champion of faith. Jesus behaved like the lion when he drove the merchants and money-changers from the temple. He knew what was needed in that moment, just as He did in all His lamb moments as well.
Both the lamb and the lion demonstrate love, but they do so in different ways. Whether we are talking about faith, parenting or weather, there is a place for both. They may seem like polar opposites, but neither is as special without the other.
PRAYER: Gracious and Giving Father, help me to identify those times when the spirit of the lamb will serve You best, and help me to recognize when only the strength of the lion will do.
“And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:15-16 KJV).
Hally Franz writes about her observations on family and faith, parenting and people. She is a former high school guidance counselor, turned stay-at-home mom. Hally and husband Tim will celebrate twenty years of marriage this year, and have two teens. She is a 4-H leader and band mom, serves as her church secretary and as a Bible class teacher. Hally enjoys traveling with her family and participating in monthly book club meetings with her pals.