One Last Parade of Biblical Beasts by Pastor Walter Snyder Over the past couple weeks, we've talked about a number of animals mentioned either in Scripture or by the Christian Church. Because of some followup questions and comments, we'll run through a few more of the creatures which take on a symbolic nature. Three of the four evangelists, St. Mark (winged lion), St. Luke (winged ox) and St. John (eagle) are often symbolized by animals in Christian art and theology. St. Matthew, meanwhile, is usually represented by a winged man. At times the pairs of animals and evangelists vary, but these four representations are standard. The images seem to draw their origins from the four living creatures seen surrounding the throne of God in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and in several places in Revelation, including 4:6-11. The last column began the comparison of Satan with a dragon. The destructive ferocity of these legendary beasts matches the furious war the devil continually wages against God and His people. In Ezekiel, the Lord compares Egypt to a dragon. This beast He promises to destroy. The image of evil, idol-worshiping Egypt as dragon was transferred in Jewish thought to the devil. Egypt would stand for any earthly oppressor and the dragon became the sign of the spiritual oppressor. Later, the Christian Church would use Babylon as a code word for any anti-Christian government or nation, particularly Rome. The dragon's symbolic role continued. In Revelation, John sees this terrible creature in full might and fury (see Rev 12, 13, and 16), yet also cast down from heaven (Rev 12) and seized and restrained by the Lord's angel: "And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. (Rev 20:2-3)" With such passages, God makes clear the awesome strength, unending hatred, and vile resentment possessed by the dragon. Yet even more so, He shows that this beast will ultimately fail; indeed, he is already judged by Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Another creature symbolizing terrible might is the lion. At times it symbolizes Satan, as 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." No one in his right mind would deliberately provoke either a lion or a dragon. Neither should the Christian taunt or challenge Satan, seeking to stand up to him by human might. Instead, we seek aid from Him who has entered the lion's den, proclaiming his victory over sin, death, and devil. But the lion isn't always the sign of Satan. Just as one of the forms of the four living creatures is a lion, so also it is used to show one blessed by God with strength, courage, and kingly rule. Thus Jacob blessed Judah (Genesis 49:9-10) with rule over his brothers, the soon-to-be tribes of Israel. The true "Lion of Judah" was born many years later, in a stable in Bethlehem. He fought the fiercest fight; He defeated the most evil of foes; He was given everlasting rule and dominion by His Father. As such, He is able to open the book of life (Rev 5:1-5) and to redeem those whose names are recorded in it. Yet here, at an early climax of the Revelation, the image shifts. The elder says, "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (5:5)" But as John looks, he sees "a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. (5:6)" And thus we encounter again, as we do throughout Scripture, the fairest of all God's creatures, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is our favorite representation of the Savior: He was the unblemished, perfect sacrificial creature whose blood sets us free to be people of God. Quietly and without complaint He went to the slaughter, seemingly destroyed and devoured by the evil dragon. Yet neither the belly of the grave nor the belly of the beast could hold Him. Rising, He showed Satan that the meek and mild Lamb was stronger, tougher, and more powerful than even the greatest of dragons. And thus, as Lion and Lamb, as kingly Warrior and innocent Victim, Christ rightfully rules the Church purchased by His holy, precious blood and His innocent suffering and death. As His gift to us, He now calls us the lambs of God, as dear to Him as He is to His Father. Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard Version~, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Ask the Pastor, © 2002 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions concerning the property of others.