A couple days ago I went to watch the new Lion King movie with my brother and my son. It’s always been my favorite Disney movie and I was excited about watching this new real-life, animated remake. Watching the story now as a Christian made me reflect on the story of Simba. For those that have seen the movie already I’ll summarize. Simba was meant to be king after his father Mufasa’s death. But his evil uncle made him believe he was to blame for his father’s death and ran him away from the kingdom. This led Simba to forget about his role as a prince and future king.
Simba made every effort to forget who he was. He felt so guilty for something he didn’t do that he tried to run away from his true identity. He was a king but he didn’t act like one. He could have been living with the authority and power that comes with being a lion king, but instead he lived a different life. He didn’t realize that he was a lion and had a royal position to fulfill.
So many times we as Christians can relate to Simba. Sin can make us feel guilty and ashamed. A dark past makes us want to run away far away. A bad experience will lead us to isolate ourselves in a cave. And problems will overwhelm us to the point of not wanting to continue moving forward. When we allow these things to bring us down, we slowly forget about our true identity. We forget that we were born with a God-given destiny.
Just like Simba was eventually reminded of his purpose, so too does God remind us of ours. The Bible says that God knew us before we were in our mother’s womb. It says that He knows the number of hairs on our head and knows the words in our mouth before we even speak them. It also says that He has plans for us.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. – Luke 12:7
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. – Jeremiah 1:5
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11
Simba eventually takes his place as king of Pride Rock and fulfills his destiny. But it wasn’t an overnight transition. He went through a long process that began with a bad experience and feelings of shame and guilt. He had to be reminded of who he was before he took his place as king. God wants to remind us today of who we are. The Bible says that Jesus Christ has brought us salvation and chosen us as a special people.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; – 1 Peter 2:9
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