LION!

In front of the Altes Museum in Berlin is this bronze sculpture by Albert Wolff (1814–1892) titled, The Lion Fighter (1852). (Interestingly the original cast was also used to create a “clone” now located in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.)

It caught my eye as I was wandering the grounds of this renowned museum on Berlin’s Museum Island (the location of a number of other internationally recognized museums as well). It caught my eye. You see, I know a Lion Fighter! No, not one who grapples with member of the family Felidae, genus Panthera, species leo—those big cats with golden manes that roar as they rule the jungles. But this Lion Fighter has—get this!—already defeated an even more virulent and malignant beast.

… the devil, prowls around
like a roaring lion ….
1 Peter 5:8c

The lion, devil: always maneuvering to attack, always eager to consume, always malevolent, always deceitful.

… the devil … was a murderer
from the beginning.
… there is no truth in him.
John 8:44

Always attempting to thwart the plans of God.

But you said in your heart:
I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne
above the stars of God,…
I will sit on the mount of assembly ….
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.
Isaiah 14:13–14

The purpose of Satan, this evil lion, is reflected in these phrases: to secure the abode of God, to obtain the rule of God, to usurp the kingdom of God, to receive the glory of God, and to gain the status of God, that is, to be God.

And the whole world, the Bible tells us, is in the power of this fiendish feline. It is against him and his forces that we struggle.

For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness
in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12

But the end of the battle is nigh. In fact, the end has already begun!

The Son of God appeared for this purpose,
to destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:8

By His life, death and resurrection, as He paid the price of sin—our sin! Jesus Christ defeated the power of Satan.

He Himself … also
partook of [flesh and blood],
that through death
He might render powerless
him who had the power of death,
that is, the devil.
Hebrews 2:14

Now for all who believe in this accomplished fact, placing their trust in Christ, salvation is free. Sin is no longer an issue between mankind and God.

O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law;
but thanks be to God,
who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55–57

But, though defanged and disarmed, Satan continues his nefarious activities.

Your adversary, the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8bc

So we are called to be vigilant.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.
Your adversary, the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8abc

And divine help is available, too.

Put on the full armor of God,
so that you will be able to stand firm
against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11

The Lion Fighter wins! The lion has been chained!