This bronze statue sits outside a castle in Krakow, Poland, where I was a young missionary many years ago. Known as a city of churches, this town has a fascinating legend about its founding. It is said that King Krakus built the town on Wawel Hill, atop the cave of a ravenous dragon. The dragon, aptly named Smok, ravaged the village, demanding to be kept at bay with the sacrifice of its inhabitants. After many years of this, King Krakus finally offered a reward: his daughter's hand in marriage to whomever could slay the dragon. Many warriors came to try and win the prize and failed, presumably becoming food for the dragon. Then, one day, a poor cobbler came up with a plan: stuff a lamb with poisonous sulphur and leave it for the dragon. The dragon took the bait, became insatiably thirsty, drank half of the Vistula River, and eventually burst of fullness.
Now, this legend can't be presented as history of course. But isn't it an interesting story? And I think its charm lies partially in its truth.
Because there really is a dragon who rages. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Many fall prey to his fiery breath, hide from his snarling growls, or try to avoid the battle altogether out of fear.
But there is also a Lamb ...
A Lamb not stuffed with poison of the normal sort, but the type that would destroy this dragon absolutely-- the all-powerful blood of the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God. Able to destroy the works of darkness wherever He finds them. Able to overcome fire and fear and infuse us with courage.
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and theelders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
“ Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying,
“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
And the four living creatures kept saying, “ Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
~Revelation 5
Does the battle rage around you? Look to the Lamb.
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John 3:8