Gospel, praise, and worship music play important roles in ushering in the presence of God. Even though I grew up listening to secular music as well, there is something about listening to music that invite’s God’s presence. You have peace when you listen to music that comforts your soul and affirms what you believe as a Christian.
The Bible asks us to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). It is standard operating procedure always to praise the Lord. Usually, before the Word of God comes forth in the church, there is a song to usher in the presence of the Lord and prepare the people of God for the Word of the Lord. The “Lion and the Lamb” is a song good for ushering in the presence of the Lord.
The band Big Daddy Weave has done a phenomenal job delivering worship music. They have become so popular that they command a nice tour each year to different venues throughout the United States. A fan favorite is “Lion and the Lamb.”
When Was 'Lion and the Lamb' Written?
The “Lion and the Lamb” was released in 2016. Big Daddy Weave is from Mobile, Alabama. Their music is considered American Contemporary Christian music. The band members met in college at the University of Mobile and have been working together since 1998. The group’s frontman is Mike Weaver, who does lead vocals and plays guitar and is also behind the band’s name (someone called him “Big Daddy” in high school). Jeremy Redmon does guitar and vocals. Joe Shirk does vocals, saxophone, and keys. Brian Beihl performs the drums.
Founding member Jay Weaver, Mike Weaver’s brother, died in January 2022 from COVD. He was 42. Jay Weaver had spoken openly about his health issues—he was a double amputee and diabetic.
Mike Weaver has spoken about God using his brother to further the kingdom of God. For example, in a Christian Post interview, he described how his brother ministered to a man after one of their concerts in South Carolina. By this time, his brother had already lost both feet, several fingers, and was in constant pain. The man wanted to know why Jay wasn’t mad because God hadn’t healed him. Jay responded that he often felt frustrated at his health issues but that Jesus got him through every day. Mike ended his story by declaring that Jay got everything new on the day that he died.
Finding information on the band members’ personal lives is difficult. If you want an inside look at how the band came to be, consider reading Mike Weaver’s autographical book I Am Redeemed.
Big Daddy Weave is known for honest music, which has connected well with fans. Their website describes them as “one of the most beloved bands in Christian music.” Their awards include a 2010 Dove Award for Christian Album of the year.
Their “Only the Beginning” tour kicks off this year the day after Valentine’s Day in Charleston, South Carolina. You will find them in churches and venues throughout the Northeast, South, and Midwest.
What Album Does 'Lion and the Lamb' Appear On?
This song comes from the album Beautiful Offerings. It is the seventh album by Big Daddy Weave, with fifteen songs on its deluxe edition. Word Records, Curb Records, and Fervent Record collaborated to release the album in 2105, and it hit the Billboard 200 the same year. To read more about Big Daddy Weave songs, check out this GodTube article, “Big Daddy Weave’s Top 15 Songs.”
What Biblical Images Appear in the Song 'Lion and the Lamb'?
The song’s lyrics announce Jesus’s return and tell us that kings and kingdoms will bow. The word of God says, “As I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11). The song also references chains breaking as Jesus brings freedom. This image reminds listeners of Psalm 107:16: “For he hath broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder.”
Of course, the lion and the lamb are important biblical images. In the Bible, we know that shepherds cared for lambs, as did David in I Samuel 17:34. Isaiah 39:11 says, “the Lord will feed his flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with his arms.” Many times lambs were used as sacrifices in the Old Testament. Jesus is considered the Lamb of God because He died on Calvary for our sins. He sacrificed for us
The Bible declares, “the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forests.” (Micah 5:8). Throughout the Bible, lions are depicted as creatures with a strength which is comparable to the power of God. Hosea 11:10 reads, “They shall walk after the Lord: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west.”
The official music video for the song plays on some of these images, with larger-than-life pictures of the lion and the lamb. The video also shows a rainbow, an eagle, and a picture of Jesus with a child. There are pictures of nature, clouds, and mountains. Shown are depictions of chains being broken. Rainbows have always symbolized God’s promise that the earth will not be destroyed by water again (Genesis 9: 8-17). References to eagles and their greatness appear in Deuteronomy 32:11 and Psalms 103:5.
It puts you at ease to know you serve a big God and that Jesus is the lamb that was slain, and His blood covers everything for us. God is fighting our battles. It reminds me of the Bible verse, “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14). In Revelation 5:5, we see references to the lion of the tribe of Judah. One of the elders told John the Baptist not to weep for “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” Jesus Christ is the lion of the tribe of Judah, and the Root of David.
Does 'Lion and the Lamb' Quote Any Bible Verses?
“Lion and the Lamb” makes references to imagery in the Bible. Isaiah 11:6 reads, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
For example, Isaiah 45:23 says, “That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. The song declares that “kings and kingdoms will bow down.”
The song “Lion and the Lamb” describes the coming of the Lord in a cloud. Matthew 24:30 declares, “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
What Are Some Songs Similar to 'Lion and the Lamb'?
There are other songs with the lion of Judah to the lamb. “Lion of Judah” is a song by Eric and Sarah Benedick that describes all the glory that God is due. World Impact Worship also has a song called “Lion of Judah.” Their song speaks of the Lion of Judah washing away our sins and defeating our enemies.
The song “Days of Elijah” refers to God coming like the tribe of Judah. It is an extremely popular worship song. It is by Paul Wilbur. Another fan favorite is Big Daddy Weave’s “God is in the Story.” This song is especially inspiring. It tells you that God is in the details. God is in the story, riding with you through the highs and lows.
Another popular Big Daddy Weave song is “Redeemed.”
Big Daddy Weave - Redeemed (Official Music Video) from big-daddy-weave on GodTube.
The song is led by Mike Weaver and sings like a personal testimony of being redeemed. It is a song of freedom and how a relationship with the Lord frees you up from things that could normally keep you bound.
Further Reading:
What Can We Learn from the Song 'What a Day that Will Be'?
Top 10 Jesus Songs to Celebrate Christ This Year
Why Should We Remember the Song 'When the Saints Go Marching In'?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/KristiLinton
