March - Lion & Lamb? - Heritage Hope and Love

Old Country Saying #2

If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.
or
If March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion.

Welcome March!

As February comes to a close, the Lord has ways to remind us that He will usher in spring bringing the promise of warmer weather. In the mist of the cold windy winter, occasionally the Lord will grant us a warm day. I like to believe it is a reminder that just as He orchestrates the seasons, so our lives can have hope in cold dark times of better days ahead. If we are sensitive to Him, He will talk to us through His wonderful creation.

Growing up we often heard the phrase, “Well March has come in like a lion, so it will go out as a lamb” or “March has arrived as a lamb, and will go out like a lion.” I guess they were hoping for better days ahead or preparing for a bit more of winter. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, some people believed that weather must consist of some sort of balance, if the beginning brought bad, the end must bring good and vice versa. We want balance and fairness, don’t we? I know I do.

Lamb & Lion

I love looking at portraits of a lion and lamb lying side by side. To see the symbolism of such great power and humble meekness residing in peace. It really is the perfect combination of all the Lord represents. The first time Christ appeared on earth He came as a baby. And in His ministry He primarily taught lessons of love, forgiveness, grace and mercy eventually allowing Himself to be a sacrificial lamb for the sins of humanity. Coming as a lamb the first time, He gives all Christians hope, He paid the ultimate sacrifice offering peace and a better life in the eternal heaven. That is the Good News that Christians have been sharing with others ever since Jesus’ life ministry. Only Jesus has been victorious over death and He is worthy of all we have.

John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.

But remember the other side of this old country saying. The Bible tells us that just as He came the first time as a lamb, the second time He’ll come as a lion. He will show characteristics of the other side of His being, which is righteousness and justice. The Lord came the first time offering forgiveness and love for all who want to be in a right relationship with Him. But for love to work it must be balanced in justice.

Revelation 5:5 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.

Example Of How To Treat others

The symbolism helps me in two ways. It is a reminder that sometimes I need to be very humble, meek and gently with others. I need to live sacrificially, and help others whenever I have the opportunity. However, there are other times when I need to be bold and aggressive. When truth is being questioned or righteous justice is not being upheld, I need to speak up or take a stand for what is right. That is when I have to rely on God’s strength and wisdom to help me through the tough time.

All The Lord Does For Me

The other comfort in this symbolism is to remember those are the characteristics that reveal Christ to us. I can go to Him for help and comfort when I need them. If my heart is hurting I can trust that the Lamb of God will meet with me. I can trust that I will be met with gentleness, kindness and understanding. What a comfort to meet with the creator of the universe. In fact, it is such a blessing to know the Lord fully understands all my circumstances and feelings as I sit in His presence with all my hurts.

It is also a great comfort to know that when I have the opportunity to take a righteous stand I take all the characteristics of a lion into the confrontation. In fact, I can trust that the lion of God is going before me to prepare the battle for victory, no matter how it turns out.

God Knows Best

March begins today and like always, I hope that it will come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. I just like to get the worst weather out of the way. But in the Lord’s grand plan, I am so glad the Lord came first as a lamb to offer forgiveness and peace. And how joyful to know you haven’t been forgotten and His righteous justice is coming to judge all the evil in this world.

The Example of Sacrifice

Dear friend, if you are a Christian and life seems to be unjust, take heart that Jesus understands. He willingly allowed an unjust system to rule His trial and ultimate death. Why? I mean He can control everything, right? Because He loves you so much, He wanted to pay the full and ultimate price for all our sins and give us the possibility of eternal life with Him.

The longer I live, sadly, the less I find people willing to make sacrifices for anyone. It seems we do not want to be bothered, we don’t want our routines disturbed. Sound familiar? It does to me. What a great example of sacrifice the Lord has given us. In my experiences, I have found joy does come when I set my agenda aside to help others.

Reflection…

I think we need to pause a moment, thank Him and maybe consider our lives. Are we serving Him in appreciation of all He has done for us? As we approach the Easter season, now is a good time to do some soul searching. Are we using our time and talents in obedience to Him? When the time of this world has reached its end, will we be proud of all we have done for Him here? I encourage you to find some quiet time and do some soul searching, ask Him if you are living His best for you.