Lion and Lamb

As I sat in church yesterday, listening to the pastor talk about  Revelation 1, I couldn't help but think of all the characteristics of God. We walked through the first chapter, verse by verse, really getting to the core of what each verse means. It was so humbling sitting there listening to the promise we have in Christ. I have read the first chapter of Revelation before but this time I left with a whole new perspective. I love when that happens when reading scripture.We were given this picture of Christ yesterday that I haven't been able to get out of my head since he said it. He talked to us about Jesus being the lion and the lamb. I have heard that plenty of times, but when I really sat and thought about it, I was reminded of how beautifully it is illustrated. When Jesus was on earth He was the person that everyone would run to when something was wrong. He drew people in by the love that He continually showed people. He was a healer and a protector. He was kind and tender. He was sought. He is the lamb. Now, Jesus sits on His throne in heaven. He is Mighty. He is Powerful. He is Righteous. He is King. He is the lion. He is not only accessible but he is our authority. These two words are so perfect to describe our creator. I think about John as he sat in his jail cell when all of this was happening in the first chapter. It says in Revelation 1:15 that his voice was like the roar of many waters. John describes His voice sounding like the sea because his cell sat right up against it. Revelation 1:17 says, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore." Although Christ is the ultimate King, He is still our comforter. He comforted John when he was afraid. There are so many words that describe our Savior. As I sat after church yesterday, I started thinking about all of the words. I think I could spend the whole evening writing down words that describe our King. He is perfect. holy. friendly. father. helpful. protective. compassionate. forgiving. empowering. discerning. consuming. cleansing. healing. destroying. delivering. fulfilling. faithful. provider. freeing. liberating. courageous. victorious. trustworthy. immune. honored. reliable. good. praised. glorified. famous. renowned. needed. beautiful. living. active. alive. amazing. inspiring. creative. abundant. rich. pure. real. safe. remarkable. extraordinary. miraculous. astounding. He is God! He loves us. He frees us. The promise that we have through Christ is absolutely incredible. As I think about this promise I am confident in the love that Christ has for me. He adores me. I am his daughter. He is my number one fan. My prayer is that we remember Christ as the lion and the lamb that He is. We will hold fast to the fact that He is our protector and our King! We are nothing without Him and with Him everything is held together perfectly. "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross." Colossians 1:17-20