Show Notes
I feel like culture today fixates on the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Its the thing that makes a headline a headline. Something tragic. Or something feel-good. Rarely, are we given the whole of it. It’s polarizing, really, when you don’t see the whole picture. It’s a trap that grabs attention and brands our thoughts with a narrative; good or bad.
I would even hazard to say it’s not much different from the versions of Jesus the world proclaims. Over the last few months I keep considering the picture of the Lion and the Lamb. Scripture is full of references to both. Jesus, of course, is both. His nature is complex, intricate, and deeper than human minds can comprehend.
This is what got me thinking about the days of Jesus. Despite being depicted in countless movies and cartoons and shows.. we forget: He was an actual person in history with real stories and encounters. These are canonized forever in what we now call the Bible.
But here’s the thing; the Jesus that people knew and experienced in Bible times is different than how we perceive Him today. And to be fair, those people really only had half of the story. The Jesus we so often hear about today is the gentle lamb. He is mercy and peace and grace and love. All of this is true… But this is NOT what the people of Jesus’ time were expecting. It’s actually fascinating to me because the people of Jesus’ time were actually expecting Him to come as a conqueror. A reigning king. A roaring Lion.
At the time, there was only (what we know as) the Old Testament. In fact, the life and death of Jesus ushers in what we now call the New Testament! It was even prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31 .And this prophecy was fulfilled with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The New Testament makes it clear in Matthew 26:28.
When you think of it in this way, about how the culture of that day was familiar with the prophecies it makes sense. It makes sense that they missed it. They were expecting the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Genesis 49:10 prophecied. Right from the start, we get a picture of The Messiah who comes to reign! Later on we see in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
I feel like today’s culture has it totally flip flopped. Today’s culture (and I hate to say it but sometimes even the Church) prefers to talk about the Lamb version of Christ. It’s true. It’s part of his character and nature. But guys, there’s a whole other piece. It’s the part the Jews were looking for thousands of years ago. And indeed, when Jesus returns, it will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He will come with eyes of fire and feet of bronze. He will come with a double edge sword meant to CORRECT us as well as bless us.
The fact is, Jesus the Messiah will return for His bride. He will return to cleanse the earth and make it new. He will return to reign. He won’t be returning to affirm how we feel about truth and morality. Those things have already been defined. He will be returning to establish His kingdom in the manner God always intended. It will be restored, redeemed, and made perfect.
Jesus is coming back as the Lion. He already came as the Lamb. His life and death met every promise and will meet the ones left unfulfilled upon His return.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking He loves us and tolerates all that we feel like doing. Sin separates us from God. And Jesus will return to destroy that which separates us from our Father. Don’t live in fear of this but instead, understand we serve a God who loves us enough to correct and rebuke. One who loves us enough to convict and purify the things in us that keep us from deeper intimacy. Let’s not be like the people of Biblical times who Missed it. Let’s see God for who He is in the whole picture. Lion and Lamb. Sacrifice and Savior. Servant King who laid it down for us to return again, and restore what Satan stole. Rejoice as we continue ahead, knowing the battle is won, and we have only to be ready for His return..
More from Unexpected with Hannah Love
I loved getting to sit down with Leanna Crawford (lattes in hand, of course). Leanna grew up homeschooled in a small farm town in Washington, found Jesus at a young age, and felt God put a calling on her life to do music. The doors opened. She moved to Nashville. Life was good. And then it got really hard. She shares honestly about the season when anxiety kept her up at night, when she couldn't sit at the piano without crying, and when she felt like she had let everyone down. We talk about how God used her sister Lindsey, a counselor at Porter's Call, and the people around her to keep pointing her back to Jesus. That's how she found her love for music again. Not "I have to do this." "I get to." We also talk about God's timing being so much better than our plans, the unexpected gift of marriage, the long wait to get pregnant... and Leanna shares some really sweet baby news right here on the show. 🤍 If you're in the valley right now, I pray her words at the end of this episode land right where you need them. God doesn't waste your pain. Scripture we touched on: Romans 8:28 Proverbs 13:12 Jeremiah 29:11 Ephesians 1:4 Resources mentioned: Porter's Call (free counseling for artists): https://www.porterscall.com Leanna's album, Thank God Connect with Leanna: Website: https://www.leannacrawford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannacrawford/ Hannah's Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/ Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/ #LeannaCrawford #ChristianPodcast #FaithStory
Today I’m sitting down with Madison Watkins to talk about a testimony that is ultimately a story of God’s pursuit. Madison grew up knowing the Lord and knowing she had been given a voice for a purpose. But after finding success through reality singing shows and pursuing a career in Los Angeles, she began to realize how easy it was to know God while still seeking the things of the world. As opportunities grew, so did the pressure to build her own name. Slowly, the industry began changing her—and eventually, Madison found herself at the end of herself. But God never stopped pursuing her. Madison shares how getting sick became an unexpected turning point, how God asked her to lay down her career and her gift, and why she stepped away from singing for an entire year. In the stillness, she began hearing His voice again. And when God eventually called her back to music, the assignment was clear: use the gift He gave her for His glory. We talk about surrender, identity, the distractions that keep us from hearing God, dying to our flesh, and the freedom that comes when we stop trying to make our own name known and start living to make His known. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’ve wandered too far, become too distracted, or held too tightly to something God is asking you to surrender, I hope Madison’s testimony reminds you: He is still pursuing your heart. Guest Social Media: Instagram: Madison Watkins TikTok: Madison Watkins Hannah’s Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unexpected.hannahlove/ Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/hannah.billingsley/ Website: https://unexpectedwithhannahlove.com/ #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #UnexpectedPodcast
In today's episode of Unexpected with Hannah Love, Shay and I sit down with our dear friends Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink for a conversation about marriage, family, faith, identity, and finding contentment in every season.
This episode is extra special — we’re sitting down with family for the start of a new Couples Series, and it’s one of the most honest, life-giving conversations we’ve had. We talk about marriage, communication, prayer, and what it really looks like to build a family rooted in faith — not perfectly, but intentionally. In this episode, we cover: What prayer actually looks like in marriage (and why it can feel hard) Learning how to communicate in different seasons The power of speaking life over your spouse and your children Why family culture matters more than we realize Letting go of control and embracing the season you’re in What it means to lead, love, and serve within your family There’s so much beauty in doing life alongside people who point you back to truth — and this conversation reminded me just how important that is. If you’re married, preparing for marriage, or simply navigating relationships and family… I pray this episode encourages you right where you are.
In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Laura Sanger, we go deeper… into truth, into awareness, and into the authority we have in Christ. This is one of those conversations that may stretch you a little—but my prayer is that it also strengthens you. We talk about the reality of spiritual warfare, the importance of understanding what we’re up against, and how we can stand firm without fear… because we already have victory in Jesus. And most importantly—we end in hope 🤍 ✨ In this episode, we talk about: Why understanding the battle matters The importance of truth in a world full of confusion Protecting our minds and our families Recognizing deception and staying grounded in God’s Word Walking in the authority we’ve been given through Christ Raising the next generation with faith and discernment This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. And when we truly understand who we are in Christ, everything changes. You are not a victim… you are walking in victory.