Several years ago, I was devouring just about every podcast, book, and video I could find from a retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander named Rorke Denver. I still have tremendous respect for his leadership, his discipline, and his perspective on life. Long before we ever met, Commander Denver was a mentor to me from afar. Since then, we've had the opportunity to become friends and brothers, and I'm grateful for his continued influence in my life.
But there was something he used to say that heavily impacted our ministry. When he talked about the young men arriving in Coronado, California, hoping to complete the grueling training required to become Navy SEALs, he often referred to them as Young Lions. Man, I loved that! And, because I also thought it wasn't entirely fair that he already had the SEALs, I figured we'd borrow the Young Lions label!
At the time, we were living in Zambia, working primarily with teenage boys. We had started a small running team, and the name seemed perfect — The Young Lions Running Team. After all, we were in Africa. Lions are a familiar and powerful symbol of strength, courage, leadership, and determination. These were all qualities we wanted to see developed in the young men we were investing in. We weren't just teaching them to run fast and far. We wanted them to grow into strong, courageous young men who would lead their families, influence their communities, and make a difference in the world. We wanted to raise lions. And the name stuck.
Recently, I was reading again about David's Mighty Men in the Old Testament. These are some of my favorite stories in Scripture, filled with epic warriors and incredible battles. The mighty men were ordinary guys who demonstrated extraordinary courage, loyalty, discipline, and strength. In 1 Chronicles 12, we're introduced to a group of warriors called the Gadites. They came from the region east of the Jordan River and joined David while he was in the wilderness. The Bible describes them this way:
“Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains.” — 1 Chronicles 12:8 (NIV)
I love the way Scripture describes these warriors. They were men of might. Fit for battle. Skilled with their weapons. Swift on their feet. Whose faces were like the faces of lions – what a description!
Everybody knows lions are powerful animals. Their eyes seem to look straight through you. Their roar can rumble you to your core. Their muscular frames possess the strength to bring down beasts many times their size. Lions wander around the very dangerous bush with an air about them. They seem to know exactly who they are. And I’d bet the Gadites were like that. Walking into camp with a quiet confidence and an obvious fierce determination. I’d bet they weren't easily intimidated, either…just like lions!
That's the kind of people we want to help build through Orchard Ministries. And that’s the type of man and leader I want to become! We become lions when we know who we are, whose we are, and what we were created to do.
Just this week, our team in Zambia sent me a video that made me smile. That little running team we started years ago has grown to more than 45 runners! In the video, our Young Lions of all ages were coming in together from a run, chanting in unison:
"I AM A LION! I AM A LION! I AM A LION!"
The entire Chifubu community is hearing that chant and seeing that powerful team pass by. I know, without any doubt, that their lion living is impacting their neighborhood. How could it not? My prayer is that as those little lions, and lady lions, and junior lions, and young lions of all ages live faith-fueled, and purpose-filled lives out loud, full of joy and strength, they would point people to the lion of lions – King Jesus!
We aren't just building and becoming better runners. We're building and becoming better leaders. We're building character. We're building courage. We’re growing in faith. We're raising a generation that understands it was created for more. And when you know God is with you, and that your life has purpose and meaning, the challenges you face don't have to determine how your story ends.
Let's all become a little more like the Lion of Judah this week. Roar!