My theatrical career can be described as varied, but limited. Besides lots of Christmas pageant roles, I played a flirtatious girl in Papa was a Preacher while in college. When I was a teacher, I was asked to portray a cranky cleaning woman, complete with a solo, in a school musical. And finally, I played the faun, Tumnus, in a community theater’s run of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. 

You might be wondering, wasn’t the character a Mr. Tumnus? Yes, that’s how C.S. Lewis wrote the story, but not enough men tried out for the production. So I was just Tumnus. That outdoor production over three weekends was a thrill for me, not because it brought me adoring fans, but because for that time I entered a creative world full of fantasy. Plus it introduced our five-year old twins to a new side of their mom.

It also launched our love of the Chronicles of Narnia. The year before, I had read the entire Little House series to the girls. When I saw the casting call for The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, we commenced our journey into the world of Narnia. 

Since that role as Tumnus, we have seen several productions of C.S. Lewis’ works, including a one-man show of The Great Divorce in Philly and more recently The Horse and His Boy and Prince Caspian at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.

Watching Prince Caspian a few weeks ago, I focused on Aslan, the lion. On stage he was taller than a man, with a fearsome roar and a powerful voice, perfectly depicting Lewis’ awesome lion.

Musing on the nature of Aslan took me to the Bible’s description of Jesus as the Lion of Judah. He is strong and brave, a judge and defender. But lions are frightening. They don’t invite intimacy.

Once I had the privilege of going to Africa and experiencing a safari. We saw many lions from a safe distance. At our hotel, we were instructed to not leave our bungalow during the night because of the risk of a lion attack. We could hear the roar of lions during the night. They seemed closer than I had expected and more threatening.

In the Chronicles of Narnia, the young Lucy comes to know and love Aslan. She feels no threat. While he is such a fearsome creature, she adores him and hugs his great lion head, enjoying the closest of relationships.

I also considered an intriguing paradox. Jesus is also the Lamb of God, a very different image. Jesus is a lamb in that He is the embodiment of innocence and perfection, a lamb without blemish. As the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus went to the cross meekly, with no protestations. Too often my idea of a lamb stirs all the adorable, warm fuzzies I can imagine, reducing the Lamb to soft, fluffy cuteness.

But in looking at Jesus as both the Lion and the Lamb, I have discovered much more than my initial take. As a Lion, He is king and conqueror. While the Lamb goes mutely to His death, He speaks His power, strength, and most of all His love for me in that sacrifice. As a Lamb, He is the greatest conqueror of all, claiming victory over sin and death. His sacrifice also reserves a place in Heaven for us to reign with Him. The book of Revelation foretells when all creation will sing of the worthiness of the Lamb.

As I think about this beautiful paradox of Jesus as a Lion and Lamb, I am recognizing how worthy He is of my adoration. I am also learning how big and glorious He is, yet gentle and personal, inviting me into intimacy with Himself — another beautiful paradox.

Image by David Yonatan González Aburto from Pixabay

ABOUT OUR BLOGGER

Linnea Tideman has always enjoyed sharing stories. Her childhood in New Hampshire and her Swedish heritage have provided her with a wealth of experiences, but also the foundation of her faith. She enjoys creative projects, travel, books, sewing, gardening, but most of all hospitality, often hosting fancy teas and occasionally something grand like recreating dinner on the Titanic. She serves the UrbanPromise and Good Neighbors ministries. Linnea lives in Landenberg with her husband Dave. They have three grown daughters. She hopes that her writing reflects how God continues to reveal Himself to us as our shepherd and Savior.