We commonly think of the lion as the king of the jungle. Can you imagine two lions engaged in a fierce battle? Approximately 2,000 years ago, two lions met in a life and death struggle. Let's examine that battle and its outcome.
The two lions were:
- Satan "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." {1 Peter 5:8} Since time began, Satan has been maiming and seeking to kill people {Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44}.
- Christ "But one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.'" {Revelation 5:5} Christ came to earth to fight with and defeat Satan {1 Timothy 1:15}.
It was a planned battle. When Satan brought sin into the world, it became necessary for something or someone to restore the fellowship between mankind and God {Genesis 3:15}.
The plan was eternal {Ephesians 3:11}. The salvation of the whole world hinged on this battle {2 Timothy 2:10}. Both of the participants knew the stakes were high!
They met in the wilderness during Christ's personal ministry. It was a 40-day battle during which Christ defeated Satan by refusing to succumb to his temptations {Matthew 4:1-10}. Satan constantly attacked Christ's character {Luke 7:34} as well as His authority {Matthew 21:21-23}. Christ won the battles! In the garden of Gethsemane, a trusted friend betrayed Him {Matthew 26:36-57}. False witnesses condemned Him to death {Matthew 27:25}. Yet, Christ won again by overcoming the grave. He was declared to be the Son of God with power {Romans 1:4; Hebrews 2:14,15}.
Our Lord left heaven's glories to defeat this roaring lion in battle. Because He did, we have the promise of eternal life. If He isn't on your side, this life will defeat you!