Scripture paints vivid imagery to help us understand spiritual truths, and one of the most striking metaphors in the Bible is that of the lion. Interestingly, the Bible refers to two lions—Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, and Satan, the roaring lion. Both bear power and presence, but only one is worthy of our worship.
In Revelation 5:5, we see Jesus boldly proclaimed as “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,” who has triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll and bring redemption. This lion is majestic, righteous, and full of authority and love. He defends His people and brings justice to the oppressed.
In sharp contrast, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Satan imitates the posture of a lion, but only in destruction and deception. His roar is filled with fear and chaos, and his goal is to isolate, accuse, and consume.
We live daily in a spiritual battleground, a proverbial lion’s den, surrounded by temptations, trials, and dangers that threaten to pull us away from God. But this is not new to God’s people. Daniel knew this den both literally and spiritually.
In Daniel 6, we see Daniel thrown into the lion’s den because of his unwavering faithfulness to God. He refused to bow to the pressures of the world—its demands, its idols, its fears. What kept Daniel safe in that terrifying place? Scripture says he was found blameless (Daniel 6:22). He was a man of prayer, devotion, and integrity. He worshiped God even when it meant the threat of death.
The same is true for us today. The only way to survive the roaring of Satan is to remain hidden in the strength of the Lion of Judah. Daniel wasn’t spared because of his power, but because of his posture—on his knees in prayer. The same God who shut the mouths of lions for Daniel can silence the attacks of the enemy in our lives.
We must live lives marked by:
- Prayer: staying in constant communion with God, so we are never spiritually vulnerable.
- Worship: honoring God in spirit and in truth, placing Him above all else.
- Repentance: walking humbly and turning quickly from sin so the enemy has no foothold.
The Lion of Judah defends His people. When we cry out to Him, He hears us and stands between us and the enemy. Where Satan roars to bring fear, Jesus roars to bring freedom.
Believers may be in a proverbial lion’s den, but we are not alone. The den cannot destroy those who walk blamelessly before their God. Daniel’s story is more than history—it’s part of our testimony. Take a stand in the den, eyes fixed on the Lion who does not devour, but delivers.
