By Pastor Doug Stauffer
March is a unique month. The saying “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” comes from 17th-century weather folklore, when observers noted that March usually begins with stormy conditions before becoming milder and calmer toward the end of the month.
This saying evokes a profound truth in Scripture—Jesus Christ is both the LION of Judah and the LAMB of God. He embodies strength and gentleness, power and sacrifice, justice and mercy. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
In Revelation 5:5-6, the apostle John weeps because no one is found worthy of opening the book of judgment. John is then told, “Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book.” Yet when he looks, instead of seeing a lion, he sees “a Lamb as it had been slain.” Why the dichotomy? Jesus is both—the mighty King and the sacrificial Saviour.
The Strength of the Lion
The Lion of Judah represents Christ’s power, authority, and ultimate victory. We, as believers, are called to move forward in faith, trusting in His strength. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to forget “those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark.” Life will bring challenges, but we must keep moving forward, knowing the victorious Lion leads us.
The lion symbolizes courage and boldness, traits we need to help us stand firm in our convictions in an increasingly troubled world. Are you standing firm in your faith or shrinking back? The Lion of Judah goes before us, giving us the confidence to trust in His victory.
The Humility of the Lamb
Jesus came first as the Lamb of God, willingly laying down His life for our sins. His sacrifice calls us to a life of humility, repentance, and renewal. Just as spring is a time of cleaning and fresh starts, our spiritual lives need cleansing, too.
Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Just as we sweep away dust and clutter in our homes, we must sweep away sin, doubt, and distractions from our hearts. Are there burdens we need to surrender? Are there sins we need to confess? March is an excellent time for spiritual spring cleaning.
Living in the Balance
Jesus teaches us to be bold yet humble, strong yet surrendered—to live with the courage of a lion but the gentleness of a lamb. He is our example, leading us in every season of life.
As we enter another new season, let’s examine our hearts: Are we standing firm in faith like the Lion? Are we walking in grace and humility like the Lamb?
Whether March roars like a lion or quietly fades out like a lamb, we can rest in the truth that our Lord is both—and that He leads us through every storm AND every calm. After Snowmageddon in the Florida Panhandle, one thing we know: the weather is unpredictable. Of course, when the temperature fluctuates, it’s just another day of climate change doing what climates do—change! Good news for those desiring stability: Micah 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.”
Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years.
