You Are a Fierce Lion and a Mighty Warrior

Luke 19:20-27

 

 

 

“The way we perceive ourselves in relation to the rest of the world plays an important role in our choices, behaviors and beliefs. Conversely, the opinions of others also impact our behavior and the way we view ourselves.”

 

This is one of the main tenants of social psychology. Basically, it is saying that we see ourselves based on our perception of how we think others see us.

 

Gideon was hiding in a winepress when the angel of the Lord came to him and said, “The Lord is with you Mighty Warrior”. Obviously, Gideon viewed himself as anything but a mighty warrior. He didn’t see himself the same way that the Lord saw him. So he hid.

 

How did the servant in today’s story see himself? Did he see himself as someone who was a capable risk taker, ready to invest his master’s money? No. He saw himself as someone meek and mild, who feared his master and who knew that if he failed it would be his ruin. So he hid.

 

When I was growing up I was afraid to try new things. I didn’t have the confidence, in large part, because my Mom, as much as she loved all of us kids, was very over-protective. What that told me was that I couldn’t do things on my own. And if I tried, I would fail. So I hid.

 

What about you? How do you perceive yourself? Is it through the eyes of others? Is it through the circumstances around you? Is it through an authority figure in your life? Do you hide or do you blossom?

 

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

 

This verse in Matthew is from the parallel passage from today’s story. The master makes this statement to two of the three servants. How affirming it would have been for those servants to hear their master say this to them. They would be ready to run through a brick wall for him, because they would know that he loved them and had confidence in them and believed in them enough to trust them.

 

That’s how God sees you. Not like the servant in today’s passage, but like the kitty in the picture. And as you internalize His love for you into your heart and soul, be ready to accomplish great things for the Lord - because He sees you as a fierce lion and a Mighty Warrior.