How do you name God? Our Congregation responds to our children's drawing

This series of blogs are responses from congregation members to drawings created by Enrique, one of our children, and his mother Katie. One Sunday in worship during the children’s conversation, we created a list of names for God. The congregation voiced the names they use for God. As our worship continued, Enrique and his mom created images of how they see and experience these various names of God.

In this blog entry, Emily has responded to the drawing of God as Lion, the name for God that she called out during our children’s conversation. I sent her three questions and she has beautifully answered them. I am grateful for the way in which Emily reminds us of the power and magnificence of lions--of how lions do indeed conquer all.

1. Why God as Lion? 

Jesus is referenced in Revelation 5:5b as a conqueror. “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” In Genesis, Jacob names his fourth son Judah. This tribe of Israel became the line of Kings from which David and Jesus descended.

(2) How does relating to God as Lion enhance, challenge, invoke within you? 

I like a powerful, almighty God! His strength and magnificence is portrayed in this image. 

(3) This drawing is very much apocalyptic. How does the image of dragon (Revelation) and Lion (for me Isaiah’s lion and lamb story) speak to you?  ​

I think of C.S. Lewis’ Aslan. The forces against the Lion in this series are apocalyptic, yet he calmly conquers in the final battle. The Lion King is another portrayal of a lion that meets many foes, but in the end prevails. Neither of these lions had an easy time of it. There were always the bullies and naysayers. So while the dragon may be physically larger  and appears to be more ferocious, I’m thinkin’, the harder he falls. We know who wins, who conquers. I’m glad I know the end of the story. That dragon is scary. Great drawing Enrique!

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