Lion-like Leadership

UV 2303/10000 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
Those who have a covenanted personal relationship based on commitment are the remnant of Jacob on whom the dew of the Lord’s grace and compassion has fallen. Contrary to the general view that believers are weak or soft people, this uni-verse projects the image of great strength, power and leadership being manifested by the people of the house of Jacob. We are to be lion-like in our leadership qualities: fearless, bold, strong, dignified.. A lion is fierce and aggressive even as a sheep is meek and yielding. We need to blend both these sets of qualities of sheep and lion even as Jesus is both Lion of Judah and Lamb of God. The enemy of our souls is described as a roaring lion. He is in other words an aging lion who tries to intimidate people only with his roar but has lost his prowess or power. We who believe in contrast are young lions. A young lion never falls prey or victim to a roaring but aging lion. We should be ruthless with the roaring but aging lion and defeat or vanquish him in all of his strategies and traps he sets for us.

The lion-like qualities are not in terms of physical power or violence but in terms of spiritual strength and prowess. Jesus demonstrated such qualities of a lion when he cleansed the temple of merchants and money lenders in righteous wrath. A hidden anger should simmer in us against the evil we see around us. It is not expressed in violence but in fervent spirit and all conquering faith exercised in prayer and proclamation. The lion reflects the best regal qualities among all beasts of the forest. Likewise, we are to reflect the best qualities of Jesus in our everyday life.

The metaphor of the young lion is used to emphasize that our faith and enthusiasm for the Lord and His word should always be young and strong. We can tread upon all that is evil in this world with the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We are to be watchful and alert like a young lion. A young lion is always at ease and in a state of poise or equilibrium as if nothing could disturb him. Our faith in the Lord frees us from stress and causes us to be self assured, calm, relaxed and at poise even in difficult circumstances. A young lion is decisive and goes after its targets with killer instinct. We too should not vacillate or procrastinate but once a target is firmed upon, we should go after it with the speed and alacrity of a young lion.

Prateep V Philip