The Stone Lion Points to the Living Lion of Judah: A Journey of Praise

During our family’s 2013 holiday en route to Canada, we had the incredible privilege of visiting Lucerne, Switzerland. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this picturesque city is filled with charm, beauty, and history. Beyond its breathtaking views and serene lakes, one experience stood out as deeply profound with a strong spiritually resonance, standing before the Lion Monument.

Etched into a sheer sandstone rock face, the sculpture is ten meters long and six meters high. Designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and carved by Lukas Ahorn, the masterpiece completed in 1821, commemorates the sacrifice of the Swiss Guards who died protecting King Louis XVI and his family during the French Revolution. Over six hundred guards gave their lives while escorting the royal family to refuge in the legislative assembly.

The lion, wounded and dying, lies with a broken spear in its side and head bowed. Beneath the moving statue are inscribed the words “Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti” translating to “To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.” As I stood silently staring across the still watery moat, I was struck by a deeper, and even greater sacrifice. The image of the fallen lion stirred within me a vivid reminder of the One who is both Lion and Lamb: Jesus Christ.

Scripture speaks of Jesus in this dual nature. He is the Lamb who was slain, the perfect and sinless offering for humanity’s redemption (Revelation 5:12). But He is also the Lion of Judah, risen in victory, ruling with power and majesty (Revelation 5:5). No monument carved by human hands can fully capture the weight of His sacrifice nor the glory of His triumph, but the Lion of Lucerne gave me a fresh and sobering lens through which to reflect on Jesus' matchless worth.

The Swiss Guards gave their lives in loyalty and bravery to protect an earthly king. Jesus gave His life in obedience and love to redeem a world that had rejected Him. The lion carved into the rock is a symbol of national honor; the Lion of Judah is the eternal King whose kingdom reigns throughout eternity.

As the Bible describes in Revelation, around His throne are countless angels, elders, and living creatures crying out in worship, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12). This is not a passing tribute but an eternal anthem. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is worthy of every breath, every song,

and every moment of our lives.

When we consider human acts of courage like that of the Swiss Guards, how much more should our hearts be stirred in praise and adoration towards the Son of God? The One who exchanged the riches of heaven for the pain filled reality of earth. The One who faced death not for duty but for love, and now the same One who reigns with the praise of heaven forever.

If your praise has fallen silent given any variety of circumstances, let today be that moment to raise your eyes and words to the deserved One. Let’s make a choice to praise the living Savior who invites you to know Him, honor Him, and walk with Him. As you take a moment to lift your voice in praise, here is a powerful song that captures the duality of His majesty with awe and adoration. May the famed Lion monument forever remind us of the awesomely powerful Lion of Judah who is worthy of all glory, honor and praise forever and ever.

Lion and the Lamb, Bethel Music