What does "no lion will be there" symbolize in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene Isaiah 35 paints a picture of restored creation and a “Highway of Holiness” leading to Zion. In the middle of that hopeful vision we read: “No lion will be there, no vicious beast will go up on it; these will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there.” (Isaiah 35:9) Why the Image of a Lion Matters • In Scripture, lions can symbolize danger, violence, and spiritual opposition. • 1 Peter 5:8 portrays the devil as “a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” • Paul speaks of being “rescued from the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:17). • The Psalmist promises, “You will tread upon the lion and cobra” (Psalm 91:13), showing God’s power over threats. Literal Context, Spiritual Application • Literally, Isaiah assures returning exiles that God will remove threats on their journey home. • Spiritually, it points to our walk with Christ—a path secured by God where ultimate enemies cannot destroy us. What “No Lion Will Be There” Symbolizes in Our Journey • Complete safety: God guarantees a place where spiritual predators cannot lurk. • Victory over Satan: the adversary’s roar is silenced on God’s highway. • Freedom from fear: threats that once paralyzed us are gone. • Assurance of arrival: nothing will ambush or divert the redeemed from reaching Zion. • Fulfillment of redemption: the highway is exclusively for those Christ has ransomed (Isaiah 35:10). Promises Embedded in the Phrase 1. God protects the path—He doesn’t merely point the way; He secures it. 2. Holiness is safeguarded—only the redeemed have access, keeping sin’s predators out (Isaiah 35:8). 3. Joy replaces terror—the journey is marked by singing, not dread (Isaiah 35:10). 4. Eternal permanence—this safety is not temporary; it endures into the new creation (Revelation 22:3-5). How to Walk This Lion-Free Highway Now • Abide in Christ daily—He is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) who triumphed for us. • Resist the devil with confidence—James 4:7 promises he will flee. • Meditate on God’s promises—faith grows when His Word saturates the mind (Romans 10:17). • Pursue holiness—“without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). • Stay with fellow travelers—God places us in community for mutual protection (Hebrews 10:24-25). Rejoice in the Certain Outcome The same God who once guarded returning exiles now guarantees that every believer who sets foot on His highway will reach the destination. The lion has been barred. The path is clear. Keep walking. |
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