Daily Devotional | The Original Lion King
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.
Why is Jesus compared to both a lion and a lamb? How does understanding Jesus as the triumphant Lion give us courage to face the journey before us?
Lion of Judah, Jesus, the true King, we come before You today with awe and worship for Your unmatched power and unstoppable love. You are victorious over every enemy, every sin, and over death itself. Praise Your holy name!