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Day 67

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERAMajestic in appearance and mighty in strength, the lion is often referred to as king of the jungle. He has no natural predators and rules over much of the animal kingdom, able to kill animals much larger than he is. Lions are fierce in protecting their young. They will fight, even unto death, to protect them. However, the mighty lion does not compare to the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ.

Seeing His offspring threatened and attacked by Satan, the Lion of Judah became the Lamb of God, laying down His life for our sins. In doing so, Jesus defeated Satan. He conquered death. He rescued us from Satan’s kingdom of darkness and the power of sin. He brought us into His glorious kingdom.

To successfully live in God’s kingdom, we too must rise up with fierce tenacity and boldness:

“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing (endured violent assault), and forceful men lay hold of it (with ardent zeal and intense exertion)” (Matthew 11:12).

Jesus spoke the words above in response to a question from John the Baptist: “Are you the One who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). John sent his question from a prison cell, trapped in a circumstance he did not understand. Jesus lovingly encouraged him:

“Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account on Me” (Matthew 11:6).

Like Jesus, to rise up like a mighty lion we must first bow low as a sacrificial lamb. When circumstances overwhelm and confuse us, we must relinquish our evaluations and expectations to the Sovereign will and goodness of God. Then, we must rise and fight to believe. We fight to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and will do what He says He will do. In believing, we will receive:

“The promise comes by faith so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed” (Romans 4:16).

Is a current circumstance causing you to “fall away” from God? Bow low and confess your disappointment and frustration. Release your own expectations. Then, ask God for the strength to rise up with mighty faith and believe.