Lion-like Leadership

UV 1311/10,000 Lion-like Leadership
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.


Micah 5 v 8


The faithful in every age and nation will remain only a remnant and not the majority. With God on one’s side, even one person is more than a majority. He is like a lion, a king or leader among all people. The Lord increases in might the power of the meek. He enables them to defeat the plans and designs of the enemy of their souls- the roaring lion. By their prayers and the judicious exercise of their faith and spiritual power, tread down on strongholds, tear these in pieces and bring down every speculation that rises against the truth and will of God. The use of the opposite metaphors of “lion” and “sheep” in the same breath is to point out that godly leaders though they are lions with immense power should be meek, humble, gentle and obedient like sheep. Jesus though He is portrayed as a “ Lion of Judah” was also the “ Lamb of God.” He was led to the slaughter like a lamb though He could have physically destroyed the entire Roman army with His breath. We too are called to be like a young lion in terms of courage but gentle like a sheep. Our attitude should be confident like that of a king but our behaviour like that of a servant. This is the essence of the concept of servant-leadership. Our knowledge of God and His word and ways should not get us all impatient, puffed up and vain but it should teach us to be meek and patient to wait upon His will to be fulfilled in His time.

It is said that a pack of lions led by a sheep is far less powerful than a flock of sheep led by a lion. This underlines the importance the Lord gives to leadership in executing His will. He raised up a man from the papyrus reeds- Moses whose very name meant “ reeds” but his deeds and words written on paper today has taught and demonstrated with power to many faithful people every lesson of leadership one needs to learn. The words of Moses put fear in the hearts of the mighty Pharaoh and the Egyptians. His words and his ordinary staff were his weapons. It made his formidable enemies and opponents tremble with fear even as other beasts would before a lion.

The reference to “ young lion” in the uni-verse is a promise of the Lord to restore and renew our youthful vigour. Scripture refers to it as the “ dew of our youth”. He will make us fruitful even into our old age. It is the blessing and anointing of the Lord that makes us a “lion” or powerful leader. He invests His authority in us. He makes us his signet ring to authenticate or give the final seal of approval. We have the sword of the word in one hand and the sword of execution in the other.

Prateep V Philip