When I was a child I had a book of Bible stories. On the cover were several different images including one of a peaceful lion resting with a little lamb in the crook of his forearm. I was not familiar with the Biblical prophecy of the “Lion and the Lamb” then, so to me it was just a cute image that made me think that lions could be gentle, peaceful creatures. As I grew and learned about these ferocious animals, I realized that the loving image clearly went against nature!

One day I read Aesop's “Androcles and the Lion”. In this story, Androcles, a man who has escaped enslavement, stumbles upon a lion in the forest. The lion is in great pain, and Androcles discovers that he has a large thorn stuck in his paw. Androcles removes it for him. Later, both are captured, and Androcles is sentenced to be “thrown to the lion”. Even though the lion is ravenous, he merely licks his friend's hand in greeting. The emperor, astonished, sets them both free.

Although just a folktale, this illustration shows how being thankful had brought peace to both the lion and the man. This story reminded me of today’s verse. In Colossians chapter 3, Paul was instructing the Christians on how they should live. In verse 15 he tells them to allow the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts, for that is how they were called to live, in peace! Then in a short, but to the point, sentence he says, “And be thankful.” Period. Live in peace and be thankful. The lion, known for being a ravenous, ferocious beast, was able to walk away from his captor and live in peace because he had a thankful heart! Just like the image on the cover of my book, the mighty lion was a picture of peace.

As we enter this season of gratitude, my prayer for you is that in a world filled with captors, like confusion and fear, you will find reasons to be thankful and in turn, live in peace.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that brings peace to my soul. Allow me to live in the spirit of thankfulness so that you might be glorified on Earth as in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

1.    Colossians 3:15 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.