The Lion and the Lamb by Jos. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 5, 1863

The Lion and the Lamb.

By Jos. Clarke

THE lion is an emblem of all that is courageous. The lamb is a symbol of innocence, harmlessness, and peace.

In Rev. v, 5, Christ is represented as the lion of the tribe of Judah: in the 6th verse the lamb is used as a representation of the same personage.

Thus, we see, evidently, portrayed the union, in Jesus Christ, of the most sublime quality of dauntless courage, mingled with the patient innocence of the lamb.

The patience and gentleness of the lamb without courage, would be only tame submission, and a defenceless state, pitiable indeed among a legion of howling wolves. The courage of the lion unmixed with other qualities, would only be a fierceness, a dread to all within his bounds.

But the union of these qualities, a union so justly balanced, forms a noble subject of thought.

The unstable person, of whom we have just now written, would do well to ponder upon this part of Jesus' character.

Notice his undaunted demeanor, when in Herod's court, when questioned by Pilate, when insulted by the religious mob, when spit upon and buffeted. Did he flinch and draw back? Did he feel irresolute and ashamed? Did he say, Oh! this is too much! I can't bear all this! Did he cower and tremble? Did he long for ease at the cost of truth? Did he stop and smile, and half confess to the high priest, Ananias, and finally submit, and do as the mob demanded? Ah, no! the lion of the tribe of Judah never bowed to such a crew of religious bigots. No. It makes one happy to think how courageous the great kingly heart of Jesus was then! How noble, how gentle, too! There was the lamb-like gentleness and sweetness mingled with the courage of the lion. No angry stifled mutterings of suppressed indignation; no haughty superciliousness; but courage of the highest possible character, most justly balanced with the most perfect gentleness.

O, what courage! For the joy set before him he endured. Courage, dauntless courage! How noble, when so sweetly blended with lamb-like innocence, gentleness, and peace. Think of it! Compared with this what are the colors of the rainbow, or the hues of the diamond?

Imagine, if you can, the beauties of the celestial City; still you have in Jesus the glory that outshines all other glory, save the glories of Jehovah, who planned the scheme. Thank God, other witnesses have arisen who have partaken of these noble qualities. Daniel and the prophets all unknown to fear; Luther at Augsburg and at Worms, and Huss, his predecessor, and a multitude of others, lion-hearted as to fear and courage; martyrs who sang in the flames—no craven cowards were they, but lion-like men, with the gentleness of the lamb. Think of them, and love them, and be like them.

Shame on this low cowardice which Peter felt, as he swore he was a stranger to the noble Jesus. Shame on this childish dread of public opinion, as the mob shower contempt upon God's holy law! Shame on the soul that, knowing God's requirements, fears to step forward upon the platform of truth, lest the contempt of families fall upon him.

Who need fear, when doing right? when following him who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lamb slain, the bright and morning star? No; with such a leader as Jesus, we fear not the clamor or the cross.

Jos. CLARKE.