This picture hangs in the hallway of my home. I often show it to guests to see if they can see “the picture within the picture!” It’s not just of a lion. Look closely – do you also see the lamb? The inscription below the picture is from Rev. 5:5,6. It says:

Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.

He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Then I saw a lamb.

We know the lion and the lamb each represent the Lord Jesus Christ in different ways. Gen. 3:15 is the first prophecy regarding Jesus and is a picture that one day Jesus would be as a “lion” over Satan; defeating all the evil, sin and death in the world. Many kings would come through the tribe of Judah but only one would be called the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.” (The Messiah – Jesus)

As a lion, one day Jesus will also act as a Judge at the Great White Throne of Judgment. You do not want to have to stand before Him at that time. And you don’t have to if you “look to the lamb.” John, the writer of Revelation, saw as it were a lamb slain. That lamb was Jesus. He was the sacrifice slain on a cross for you and for me and rose in victory over sin, death, and the grave. Praise (the meaning of Judah) God, Jesus is the one worthy to open the seals. All blessing and honor, glory and power belong unto Him. (Rev. 5:13).

What does all this mean to me? to you? What significance does it hold?

I have trusted in this “Lamb of God,” who suffered and died and took the punishment I deserved for my sins. I became His child when I did this. I am safe in His arms. I hope you have done the same. And now I can walk with the “Lion” – the One who is powerful and protective; the One who gives me victory over evil, the One who has provided the armor of God for me (Eph. 4), the One who supplies my needs and protects me, and I know He’s always walking with me.

We may try to do things on our own to try to make us feel more safe and secure; like even putting in a security system. But you know what? Our real security is only in the Lord! Our safety is only in Him. Psalm 4:8 says:

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for you, Lord, only make me dwell in safety.”

And this Lion of the Tribe of Judah – we (as His children) will also stand with at the end of the ages and watch as He creates a new heaven and earth.

Wow! Will you be there with me?

Can you say at this time, “I’m safe and secure?”