“There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: A lion which is mighty among the beasts and does not turn away from any;…” Proverbs 30:29-30
I love the Proverbs, a great place to glean wisdom. Proverbs 30 might be my favorite–written by Agur which we know very little about other than he was the son of Jaketh (whom we know nothing about) and he was a non-Hebrew who came to faith.
He’s quite insightful. I’ve written about what he finds amazing and unfathomable (except for one that didn’t get posted…oops, I’ll have to do that one!) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 if you want to read them.
Today we’re looking at the first part of this verse in Chapter 30. A lion. First of all we have to ask ourselves this question, “Who cares how a lion walks? Big deal. Why’s it even in the Bible to begin with?
2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture, not some, but all is profitable for instruction. So there must be something here we can apply to our lives. Right?
Good answer! Y’all are briliant and I love you!
Let’s look at the word majestic and stately NKJV. In the KJV it says “There are three [things] which go well, yea, four are comely in going:” The word “well” in Hebrew is “yatab” and it means “be good, pleasing, to make a thing beautiful” and “comely” in Hebrew is “towb” to “be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right”
So something about this lion and the way it moves is pleasing and right, beneficial, beautiful.
First the lion is Mighty Among the Beasts
Lions know who they are. You will never see them running from an Antelope or hiding in the bushes because they are afraid.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Lions are built uniquely. They are built to be powerful and strong. They have a distinct feature that sets them apart from other animals–the mane–a source of protection from the enemy’s bites. Enemies willing to take them on, which aren’t many.
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14
We are special to the Lord, set apart, given the Holy Spirit as a guide, a teacher, a comforter, and a seal of our redemption. We have something unique that others do not have, but we’re to freely give it.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9
Lions Do Not Turn Away From Any
It doesn’t matter what size of animal comes after them or tries to steal from them. Lions don’t back down, because they know who they are. They know what they are meant to do.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” DT 31:6
“In God I have put my trust;I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:11
The greatest lion of all time?
“…Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed…” Revelation 5:5
Know who you are and who you belong to. Walk as a child who belongs to the King, do not fear the enemy. Next Wednesday we’ll look at the next verse, the greyhound.
Question for you: If you could steal anyone’s identity for ONE day and not get in trouble whose would you steal and why? It can be anyone, a celebrity, teacher, someone from the past…be creative!
Can’t wait to see the comments and join in!
Honestly, I can't think of anyone I'd want to be right now. Wonderful post here. I didn't know what the mane was for, so that was interesting.
Okay, I'll play along. Not that I ever want to be this person, but for a day, I'd choose Lady Gaga. B/c after watching her on American Idol, I realized that part of her success is to go big artistically. she's never afraid to be herself and she knows how to dress up and flesh out emotion to play to the audience. And isn't that what we all want in our writing?
Great post, Jessica. =) I'd pick. . .wow, I don't know! I'll have to think more and come back later to let you know.
Great post, Jessica. I always learn something new from you on Wednesdays.
If I could walk in someone else's shoes for a day…I have to say: my mom.
I think I would learn why I am, the way I am, by being her for a day. She's gone 10 years now, and there are so many things that I want to know about her that I never got the chance to ask.
Great post!
Inspiring post, Jessica. We are sons and daughters of the King, so we should hold our heads high and walk strong!
Hmm, I think I'd want to be a British royal. Not necessarily queen, because it's too much publicity, but a minor royal gets all the perks and pampering without all the headache.
WOO HOO! Love word meanings and love digging deep. This was awesome. And I love Jesus as the Lion of Judah. So awesome and strong and powerful… much like my White Horse Riding Savior!!
veri nice.
hmm…tough question. I have found that no one's life is as perfect as we think. I would like to be Mary – the sister of Martha and Lazarus -for a day. How amazing it would be to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him speak. And to entertain him in your own home. :o)
Jessica…amazing post. Just what I needed to hear. Thanks for your insight! Who, for one day, would I want to be? That is a tough one. I have never wanted to be anyone but me, so this is really difficult. I really like Sheri's answer above. But she got it first so I will refrain. I would want to be someone who loves so completely, so thoroughly, that it would carry over into my life when I changed back. Maybe Mother Theresa? She was so selfless. I was reading in John chapter 11 this morning and I was weeping at the love that Christ showed for Mary, Martha and Lazarus. I want that kind of love.