Ever since about the third grade, one of my favorite books has been The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. At one point, early in the story, one of the children is being informed about the one called Aslan who is their only hope. Of course, the youngster believes this one to be a person just like the rest of them. However, much to Susan’s surprise, she is told that Aslan is not a man but a lion. Being fearful, she inquires if the lion is safe. The famous response was this: “Of course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
This line in the book stands out. Lions are ferocious. Lions are powerful and strong. Therefore, lions are not to be trifled with, ignored, teased, or treated like some mere household pet. A lion demands our attention and respect.
The student of Scripture will be reminded of passages such as Revelation 5:5 where Jesus is referred to as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David.”
And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”
It is stated in this passage that this lion has conquered or overcome.
· Jesus conquered death.
· He left behind an empty tomb and promises us eternal life (Rev. 1:18; 1 Cor. 15:20, 23; Heb. 2:14-15).
It is stated in this passage that this lion is worthy to open the special scroll.
· Jesus is perfect, pure, and sinless (Heb. 4:15; 2 Peter 3:14).
· Jesus, the powerful Creator and Sustainer, is deserving of honor and praise (Col. 1:16-17; Rev. 4:11).
It is stated in this passage that this lion acts so that weeping may cease.
· Thanks to His sacrifice, we are offered life and hope (John 3:16; Rom. 5:10-11).
· Jesus, the compassionate Savior, does not want us to fear or feel alone (Matt. 10:31; Rev. 1:17; 7:17).
Jesus is to be honored, worshiped, and obeyed.
He is not safe in that He is not to be ignored, taken for granted, or trampled upon—it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:26-31).
But He is good (Ps. 106:1). He can be trusted, believed, and followed (Matt. 16:24; John 8:24; Rev. 21:5).
