From the heart of Jerusalem the Lord roars like a lion, shaking the earth and sky. But the Lord is a fortress, a place of safety for his people Israel.
The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.
Joel 3:16 (CEV, KJV)
I love the picture this verse brings. God roars like a ferocious lion, shaking the earth and sky; but He’s also the hope and strength of His people and a safe fortress where they can rest.
Might and gentleness. Anger and love. Fighting and healing. God has so many sides to Him, and they somehow all fit. Like, He’s a fierce warrior but also a kind Father; and it totally makes sense, seems so right.
There’s a song called “The Lion and the Lamb.” It talks about how He’ll come in power and He fights our battles–He’s the Lion of Judah. And then it talks about how He’s “the Lamb that was slain.” The Lion and the Lamb–two totally different things, and yet when applied to God, they just-just click.
Anyway, I don’t have much to say, other than that God seems to love contrast. 🙂 And that He doesn’t meet people’s expectations–He totally goes beyond them.
He’s our Lion and He’s our Lamb. He shakes the world and heavens, and He is a safe refuge for His people.
