The Lion

"The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is majestic." Psalm 29:4

I know what it's like to hug a lion.

I know what it’s like to bury my face in his mane and inhale the earthly scent of his fur and skin.

I know what the bristly hair on his nose feels like and the velvety fringe of his underbelly; the tickle of his whiskers on my cheek.

I know the weight of his massive paws and the roughness of the pads of his feet.

I know the curve of his claws and the sharpness of their tips.

I know the warmth of his breath as he huffs and growls; the velvet thunder of his roar.

I know the hollow echo of his breath and feel the expanse and contraction of each intake.

I know the heft of his enormous body and the power in his limbs.

I know the impact as his tail swishes against my chest, the furry tip tickling my nose and chin and lips.

I know the intensity of his gaze, the stead-fastness of his eyes that take in every nuance of his surroundings. Ever vigilant. Ever searching. Intent.

He is a majestic, intense creature. He is a massive, powerful beast.

I know what it’s like to collapse in the arms of my Savior.

I know what it is like to bury my face in his robes and inhale his mercy and grace and forgiveness.

I know what it is like to look deep into his face, searching; seeking answers, guidance, understanding.

I know what his scarred hands feel like as they cradle my fears, as they sooth my heart, as they carry me through the storm.

I know the shame of sin and the warmth of repentance, confession, and his forgiveness.

I know the power of his word, the power of his truth and the weight of his calling on my life.

I know the intensity of his sacrifice, stead-fast, unfaltering, focused, driven. Ever vigilant. Ever seeking. Intent.

I know the echo of his victory through the generations even to the very end of the age.

He is the King of Kings. He is the First and Last. He is the Lion and the Lamb.