Long before Disney produced the animated film, The Lion King, there was a Lion King prophesied in the Bible. In Revelation 5:1–5, we are transported to a dramatic scene in heaven. John the apostle witnessed a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals. This scroll represents God’s plan for the redemption and restoration of creation. However, a search across heaven and earth reveals no one worthy to open the scroll or even look inside it. John began to weep bitterly, feeling the weight of hopelessness.

Then, one of the elders speaks to John, offering words of comfort and hope: “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (v. 5). At this moment, the focus shifts to Jesus, who is both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb.

The title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” evokes power, authority, and kingship. It points back to Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:9–10, where Judah is described as a lion: “You are a lion’s cub, Judah… The Scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.”

As the fulfillment of this prophecy, Jesus embodies the ultimate authority and strength. His victory over sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection qualifies Him to execute God’s divine plan. The book of Revelation describes a future period of great turmoil and confusion. And while things may be chaotic on earth, readers of the book of Revelation are to take comfort that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus, is ruling in heaven. Through faith in the Lion of Judah, we too can face the future with confidence and peace.

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Have you ever thought to yourself: “What if animals could talk? Well, animals have been known to speak, as recorded in the Bible. One example was the serpent in Genesis 3; the other is the focus of our study today.

In Numbers 22, we find the fascinating account of Balaam and his talking donkey. Balaam, a prophet, was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Initially, God instructed Balaam not to go, but after further insistence from Balak, God allowed him to go with a warning: Speak only what I tell you.

As Balaam set out on his journey, riding his donkey, God’s anger was kindled because Balaam’s intentions were not aligned with God’s will. An angel of the Lord stood in the way to oppose him. Balaam, unaware of the angel’s presence, continued forward. His donkey, however, saw the angel and turned off the path. After Balaam struck the donkey, it pressed against a wall to avoid the angel, crushing Balaam’s foot. Balaam struck the donkey again. Finally, the donkey laid down, refusing to move. Balaam, furious, struck the donkey a third time.

Then, a miraculous event occurred: God opened the donkey’s mouth! It spoke to Balaam. “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” (v. 28). When Balaam’s eyes were opened, the angel explained that the donkey had saved Balaam’s life. Balaam repented, committing to speak only what God instructed (v. 38).

Balaam’s donkey reminds us that God can use unlikely ways to get our attention. This ordinary animal became a mouthpiece for divine intervention. It also underscores the importance of spiritual awareness. Like Balaam, we can become so focused on our own plans that we miss God’s guidance and warnings. May that not be true of us as we go about our day today.

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Since our culture loves dogs, it is hard for us to process that dogs are generally (not universally) looked down upon in the Bible, most likely because they gathered in wild packs (Ps. 59:14) and were scavengers (Ex. 22:31). The term “dog” was considered an insult (think of Goliath in 1 Sam. 17:43).

In Matthew 15:21–28, we encounter a compelling story of faith and perseverance that plays off the negative outlook regarding dogs in the biblical world. Jesus traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman approached Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon- possessed and suffering terribly” (v. 22). Initially, Jesus did not respond, and His disciples urged Him to send her away. However, the woman’s desperation drove her to persist.

Jesus’ response seems harsh at first: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel” (v. 24). The woman, undeterred, pleads, “Lord, help me!” (v. 25). Jesus then said, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Her reply is remarkable: “Yes, it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (vv. 26–27). Moved by her response, Jesus commended her great faith and granted her request, healing her daughter. This passage highlights the woman’s humility, persistence, and unwavering faith. Despite cultural barriers and seeming rejection, she remained steadfast in seeking Jesus’ help, believing in His power and mercy.

The term “dogs” in this context referred to Gentiles, and the woman’s acceptance of this designation demonstrated her humility. She did not demand rights or privileges but acknowledged her position with profound faith in Jesus’ compassion and ability to heal. Her persistence and faith broke through barriers, leading to her daughter’s miraculous healing.

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In 1 Kings, God used an unexpected source to provide for one of the prophets in his time of desperate need: a raven! Ravens are black birds and the largest member of the crow family. They are considered unclean for the Jewish people (forbidden as food), likely because ravens feed on the bloody flesh of other animals (Lev. 11:5).

In 1 Kings 17:1–6, the prophet Elijah was enduring a severe drought and famine. God commanded the prophet to go to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. God told Elijah, “You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” Obediently, Elijah goes to the ravine and settles there, drinking from the brook. True to God’s promise, ravens brought the prophet bread and meat every morning and evening.

The use of ravens as the means of delivering food is particularly striking. They would seem an unlikely source of sustenance because they are usually only focused on themselves, even to the neglect of feeding their young (Job 38:41). Yet here God uses these unlikely messengers to meet Elijah’s needs, demonstrating that His provision can come from the most unexpected places. Jesus mentions the raven in the context of care for humans in Luke 12:24: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Elijah was a living illustration of that verse!

Elijah’s experience tells us about trust and obedience. Despite the unusual messenger and method of provision, Elijah obeyed God’s command without hesitation. His faith in God’s promise and his willingness to follow God’s direction led to his sustenance and survival. This account encourages us to trust in God’s provision, even when it defies our expectations or understanding.

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When I visualize a deer, I quickly picture the white-tail deer which is commonplace in most of North America. That default picture in my head could be misleading because in the Bible the word “deer” could mean any one of number of creatures such as an ibex, a gazelle, a mountain goat, and other species in the deer family. Israel was allowed to eat deer (Deut. 15:22), and, even though it is considered a “clean” (edible) animal, it is nowhere stated to be a sacrificial animal. They are pictured as beautiful and graceful (Prov. 5:19) and creatures known for their speed, agility, and slender legs.

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist begins with a vivid image: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Ps. 42:1–2). This comparison between a deer’s thirst for water and the soul’s thirst for God beautifully captures the essence of our spiritual hunger. The deer more likely here is in search of water during a season of drought than one frantically trying to escape when it is being hunted.

The Psalmist’s deep longing for God reflects a profound awareness of his need for divine presence and intimacy. The use of “my soul” in verse 1 instead of just “I” extends the metaphor of thirsting not only for physical water but also for spiritual needs. Just as water is essential for a deer’s survival, so too is God’s presence essential for our spiritual well-being. The Psalmist’s soul thirsts for the living God, emphasizing that nothing else can satisfy this inner spiritual craving.

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Once on a trip overseas, I was walking alone through some narrow streets when a ferocious looking dog began to get really close to me, barking incessantly and acting like he wanted to pounce on me. Thankfully, I was able to slowly defuse the situation by walking backward slowly, but it was one of the scariest moments in my life.

In Mark 1:12–13, we read about a similar threatening moment at the start of Jesus’ public ministry. Immediately after His baptism, “the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” This brief account holds significant insights into Jesus’ preparation for His ministry and His reliance on God amidst trials.

The wilderness represents a place of testing and refinement. For forty days, Jesus faced physical deprivation, spiritual temptation, and what we often don’t think about when we ponder this incident—the constant presence of “wild animals” (v. 13). The type of wild animals Jesus was dealing with is not specified, but most likely there were jackals and wolves, known predators, who live in the Judean wilderness. Their incessant howling and menacing presence lurking nearby would have added to the tension already present in this temptation account. Despite these challenges, Jesus remained steadfast, drawing strength from His relationship with God and the ministry of angels.

Periods of testing are integral to our spiritual growth. Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit, and we too may face situations that test our faith and character. The presence of wild animals underscores the reality of other threats and fears we encounter. However, like Jesus, we are not alone. God’s presence and provision are with us, offering strength and guidance.

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When we use the word scapegoat today, we normally intend it to refer to a person or a group who is blamed for the misdeeds of others. The word scapegoat comes from William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible as an attempt to translate the Hebrew word “for Azazel” in Leviticus 16:8: “He is to cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat [for Azazel].”

In Leviticus 16:7–22, we encounter the Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest would take two goats, one was to be sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, its blood used to purify the sanctuary. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, was presented alive before the Lord to make atonement. The high priest would lay both hands on the head of the scapegoat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, ritually transferring their sins to the goat. Then the scapegoat was sent away into the wilderness, carrying the sins of the people far from the camp (v. 22).

The scapegoat is a profound and powerful image of atonement and forgiveness. By transferring their sins onto the scapegoat, the people of Israel were reminded of God’s mercy and His provision for their cleansing. This ritual also foreshadowed the ultimate act of perfect atonement fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

As the sacrificial Lamb of God, Jesus was offered up for our sins, His blood purifying and reconciling us to God. As the scapegoat, He bore our sins and carried them away, offering complete forgiveness and freedom. Isaiah 53:6 says, “The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Through His sacrificial death, Jesus provided the ultimate atonement for our sins, once and for all. Let us embrace the forgiveness and freedom He offers and then share with others the good news of His redemption.

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Releasing doves at a wedding is not a new idea. The now somewhat controversial practice has been around for thousands of years symbolizing love, peace, unity, and blessing on the married couple. In Matthew 3, a dove is mentioned to mark a significant moment: the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of His public ministry.

Matthew notes that John the Baptist was reluctant to baptize his cousin, because he realized who Jesus was: “After me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry” (v. 11). But at Jesus’ request he performed the baptism. A crowd gathered to observe, and as Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended “like a dove” (v. 16).

The presence of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism along with the voice of the Father signified both endorsement and empowerment. From this moment on, Jesus would minister under the guidance and power of the Spirit, fulfilling the Father’s divine purpose. God declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (v. 17), also affirming Jesus’ identity and mission. All three members of the Trinity were present at the baptism, an event so important that all four Gospel writers include it.

The Holy Spirit was also present at Creation. In Genesis 1:2, we read this mention of the Spirit’s bird-like action: “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” And the Holy Spirit continues to play a vital role in our lives as believers (John 14:26). As we seek His guidance, embrace His peace, and live in the assurance of God’s love, we too can walk confidently in fulfilling our divine purpose, knowing that we are empowered and approved by our heavenly Father.

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Fishermen often exaggerate either the size of the fish they caught or how many they landed. It is hard to resist stretching the truth! While the catch recorded in the Gospel of John might sound like a fisherman’s tall tale, there are helpful truths to ponder about the 153 fish caught in the Sea of Galilee.

John 21:3–11 records one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to His disciples. Peter, still grappling with the events of the past days, decided to go fishing, and several others joined him. Despite their efforts, they caught nothing. As dawn approached, a figure on the shore called to them, instructing them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They complied, and their nets were filled with 153 large fish (v. 11). The catch was so abundant that they struggled to haul it in (v. 6).

Imagine their surprise, not just at the record number of fish, but at the sight of their risen Savior (v. 12)! This miracle was a powerful reminder of Jesus’ presence and provision. The number 153 has intrigued scholars for centuries. The fact that someone took time to count each fish to get an exact tally speaks not only to its historicity but also to the extraordinary nature of this haul. The primary takeaway is clear: Jesus provides abundantly when we obey His guidance (Eph. 3:20).

The disciples’ experience also illustrates the futility of self-reliance. Their night of fruitless labor (v. 3) highlights the limitations of our human effort. By contrast, their obedience to Jesus’ instructions and then the overwhelming catch of 153 large fish demonstrate the blessings of trust and obedience. Jesus’ command to cast the net on the right side seemed ordinary, yet it produced extraordinary results. God’s instructions carry the potential for great blessing. Our role is always to trust and obey, leaving the outcome in His hands.

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Sparrows are the smallest birds mentioned in the Bible, and they usually illustrate God’s care for even the smallest of creatures. Psalm 84:3 says that “even the sparrow has found a home” in the Temple precinct! Sparrows are very comfortable living around humans and, even though they build their nests in close vicinity of people’s homes, they resist being domesticated. Typically, poor people would purchase sparrows in the marketplace because they were an inexpensive meal.

In Luke 12:4–7, Jesus addressed His disciples, offering them comfort and assurance in the face of fear and uncertainty: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more” (v. 4). The threats facing His followers were real, but ultimately their lives were in God’s hands. He reminds them of the care of the Father for each one of them. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (vv. 6–7). If not a single sparrow is forgotten, how much more does God care for each of us? We are of immense value to God who knows even the smallest details about us—such as the number of hairs on our heads (v. 7)!

Sometimes we feel insignificant and are overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. The antidote is realizing we are deeply known and cherished by our Creator. Our worth is not determined by our social status, achievements, or the opinions of others but by God’s unwavering love and attention. Let us hold on to the truth that we are deeply valued by God who watches over us with unwavering love and care. As the hymn reminds us, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

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