The Lion and the Lamb: Finding Jesus in the Prophecy of Judah
Scripture Passage
Gn 49:2, 8-10
Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father. “You, Judah, shall your brothers praise your hand on the neck of your enemies; the sons of your father shall bow down to you. Judah, like a lion’s whelp, you have grown up on prey, my son.
He crouches like a lion recumbent, the king of beasts–who would dare rouse him? The scepter shall never depart from Judah, or the mace from between his legs, While tribute is brought to him, and he receives the people’s homage.”
Podcast
Grace Prayed For
Courage and Strength: The image of the lion evokes courage and strength. Pray for the grace to be courageous in your faith, to stand up for what is right, and to resist the temptations of the world. Ask for the strength to follow Christ even when it is difficult.
Reflection
In the hushed anticipation of Advent, we turn our hearts towards Bethlehem, the humble birthplace of our Savior. Yet, long before the angels sang and shepherds knelt, the ancient patriarch Jacob uttered a prophecy that echoes through the ages, a prophecy that speaks of a king, a lion, a ruler from the tribe of Judah.
“Judah, like a lion’s whelp, you have grown up on prey, my son. He crouches like a lion recumbent, the king of beasts – who would dare rouse him?”
These words, heavy with power and promise, paint a vivid picture of the Messiah to come. A lion, symbol of strength and sovereignty, yet also a lion at rest, patient and watchful. This is not a king who seizes power through brute force, but one whose authority rests on divine decree.
“The scepter shall never depart from Judah,” Jacob declares, a promise that reverberates through the lineage of David, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
But what does this mean for us, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas? How does this ancient prophecy illuminate our Advent journey?
Firstly, it reminds us that God’s plan unfolds in its own time. Just as Jacob’s prophecy pointed towards a future king, so too does Advent point us towards the fulfillment of God’s promises. We wait in hopeful expectation, knowing that the Lion of Judah has come, and will come again in glory.
Secondly, it invites us to contemplate the nature of Christ’s kingship. He is not a king of earthly power and domination, but a king of love, mercy, and sacrifice. His throne is the cross, his crown a wreath of thorns. As we journey through Advent, let us reflect on how we can submit ourselves to His gentle reign, allowing Him to transform our hearts and make us citizens of His kingdom.
Finally, it calls us to recognize the Trinity at work in our salvation. The Father, the architect of the plan, speaks through Jacob’s prophecy. The Son, the Lion of Judah, fulfills that prophecy through his Incarnation. And the Holy Spirit, the unseen force, empowers us to receive the gift of salvation offered to us through Christ.
This Advent, let us embrace the richness of this ancient prophecy. Let us see in the Lion of Judah the face of our Savior, the one who came to conquer sin and death, and who reigns eternally in our hearts. Let us prepare ourselves to receive Him anew, not just as a babe in a manger, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Deepens awe and wonder: Seeing Jesus as the Lion of Judah, the promised King foretold in the Old Testament, unveils the intricate tapestry of God’s plan and His faithfulness across generations. This realization can foster a deeper sense of awe and wonder at God’s meticulous design for our salvation.
Daily Scripture Reflection
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post