Accept No Substitutes

What’s in a name? I brought home a kitten last week, and the kids named him Leon Trotsky. “Why name him after a Communist who was murdered by a Russian dictator?” you ask. Well, we have a Babka, so it fits with the Russian theme. And the way the little guy trots is so cute. Bonus – it lends itself to all sorts of nicknames. How about Tater Trot? I think I’ll be calling him Leo – lion in Latin. What are lions like? Fierce, to be sure. Fearless. Protective of their own. Ruthless when the situation calls for it. A frightening enemy, but affectionate if you’re in fellowship with them.

This week’s name, The Lion of Judah, is another name you need to examine for authenticity. There are many lions in the Bible.

What sets The Lion of Judah apart?

For one thing, he doesn’t look like any lion I’ve ever seen.

And one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to be able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. – Rev 5:5-6

This Lion has the appearance of a Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes! I can’t picture it, but I’ll know him when I see him. And he’ll be beautiful.

In the Bible, lions are commonly used to describe fierce enemies.

Jeremiah warns of evil coming from the north, bringing destruction.

Raise a flag toward Zion!

Take refuge, do not stand still,

For I am bringing evil from the north,

And great destruction.

A lion has gone up from his thicket,

And a destroyer of nations has set out;

He has gone out from his place

To make your land a waste.

Your cities will be ruins,

Without an inhabitant. – Jeremiah 4:6-7

Which lion is Jeremiah warning Judah about? Babylon, of course.

Peter warns us of another lion.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

But the adversary is no match for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Satan, the accuser, is nothing but a counterfeit, a cheap knockoff of Jesus’s power and might.

Now you know we can’t speak of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah and neglect Aslan. He’s not a tame lion. As Mr. Beaver says,