A Call to Prayer: The Lion Will Roar
Sometimes the Lord whispers, but there are times when He roars. When He does, let the earth tremble at His majesty. We may be at war, but God is about to roar.
WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Considered the ‘king of the beasts,’ lions have been associated with royalty for thousands of years. Not only is the lion considered at the top of the food chain, a powerful force to reckon with, but also its roar is distinctive and loud warning rivals of its presence and power to conquer. When King Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself, demanding subjects to bow in his presence, he was humbled for seven years like an animal (Daniel 4) until He acknowledged the Lord as the only true God worthy of worship.
There are various Biblical references to the roar of the Lord. Many of them in the context of His fierce defense of Israel. Yes, He sometimes whispers and speaks through kindness. Yet, He is also a mighty warrior who defends with His power the people and the land He loves.
What will this look like? He will make His name known as the King of the Earth. The warning goes out in Psalm 2 when nations ‘rage’ and ‘plot a vain thing.’ When “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed…” The Lord responds to them in His wrath, “Yet I will set My King on my Holy hill of Zion.” He goes on to warn that His King will “break them with a rod of iron.” I’m sure the Lord will use Operation Iron Swords, but even more than artillery and tanks, He is coming to bring justice for His people. Psalm 2 says, “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
Yes, it’s time to “bow down” and honor the Lord, who is called “Shomer Yisrael” — the defender or guardian of Israel. In the words of C.S. Lewis, He is not a “tame lion.” Let the Lion roar.
WORSHIP SONG
SCRIPTURE
“The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and the earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, and no aliens shall ever pass through her again.”
Joel 3:16
REFLECTION
Jeremiah 3:33 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” The word ‘call’ is ‘qara’ meaning to shout or say it loudly as though getting someone’s attention. Perhaps it is time we have prayer times where we raise our voices, shout, roar, and travail.
THE CALL TO PRAYER
We are at war. Let us pray as a warring company following our King in battle. Let us pray Joel 3:16 and more verses calling on the Lord to release His roar.
FURTHER STUDY OF SCRIPTURE
"He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, And He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend.” Job 37:3-5
“For thus the Lord has spoken to me: ‘As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the Lord of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. Like birds flying about, So will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it.’’’ Isaiah 31: 4-5
“They shall walk after the Lord. He will roar like a lion. When He roars, Then His sons shall come trembling from the west." Hosea 11:10
“And he said: ‘The Lord roars from Zion, And utters His voice from Jerusalem; The pastures of the shepherds mourn, And the top of Carmel withers.’” Amos 1:2
“Therefore prophesy against them all these words, and say to them: ‘The Lord will roar from on high, And utter His voice from His holy habitation; He will roar mightily against His fold. He will give a shout, as those who tread the grapes, Against all the inhabitants of the earth.” Jeremiah 25:30
“A Lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?” Amos 3:8
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