Some while back we passed a pub called "The Lion and Lamb". I don't remember where it was, but I'm sure there are many. The name, I assume, comes from the book of Revelation in the Bible. This is where St John has a vision of heaven. Of course, visions, like dreams, don't necessarily make logical sense, but certainly in the case of St John's vision from God, it all made spiritual sense.

There is a scroll to open, and no-one is able to open it, in heaven or earth. Then we hear that the Lion is able to open it, because he has triumphed. So John looks up, and there is a Lamb! The strong, fierce Lion who has conquered is in fact a Lamb, "Looking as if it had been slain." (Revelation 5:1-6)

The Lion / Lamb signifies Jesus, who has triumphed over sin and death by being willing to be slain for us - as in those days a lamb was sacrificed. And this is the thing that hit me afresh as I re-read that passage in Revelation yesterday - Christ triumphed, not as a fierce, roaring lion, but through love, service and self-sacrifice.

What a lesson the world continues to need to hear! Where 'might' is the way to overcome, the strongest weapon of all is never considered - that is, love.