THE LION KING

Sermon Summary, 7/22/18, “The Lion King” (Gen 49:9-10; Rev 5:5)

A friend sent a devotional from Frederick Buechner, awesome writer, who talked of the nature of life: “as far as we know, the vast majority of things in the universe do not have what life is… a few things are alive...even jelly fish and butternut squash.  They’re in it with us. We’re all in [life] together, or it in us.” 

The “Lion King” is about the “Circle of Life.”  Brutally honest about our mortality, but also about the preciousness of life, that we need to take our obligations seriously, that we all need to find our place in the “Circle of Life.”

The Biblical metaphors begin in the opening with the anointing and presentation (much like Jesus’ baptism) of the future king, Simba.  But even in this idyllic world, as with the biblical world and ours, evil exists in the presence of the King’s brother, Scar.  Scar.  Can’t you hear the evil in his name?  Scar plots, puts Simba in danger and King Mustafa (the father) sacrifices his life to save Simba (again the symbology?).  Tortured by guilt, Simba exiles himself, believing he can never be forgiven.  Scar rules and destroys the land.

The Return of the King: Simba is found, urged to return to accept his obligations as king.  During his return, he has a vision of his father who tells him, “Simba, you have not become who you were intended to be.  Remember who you are.” 

When I told my granddaughter that I was preaching on the “Lion King,” she summed up the movie in a single phrase, “Remember who you are.”

What does is mean for us to remember who we are?  Where do we fit in the “Circle of Life?”  Have you ever considered that the one true miracle may be that we can be part of that circle?  But are we the King or are we Scar?  How do we fit?  Unfortunately, there is a little of both within us.

Paul understood that there were two warring factions within us, our nature (which he called the flesh) and that which is Spirit led.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness (generosity), kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  (Gal 5:22-23)

We are part of the circle of life.  A good way to be a part of it is for each of us to ask each day “how we can live out the fruit of the Spirit?”  How is that we can love each day?  Extend joy? Provide peace, well-being to others? Patiently walk with another? Be kind? Be gentle, faithful and exercise self-control?  Ask each day, living out the circle of life.

Tomorrow, will we remember who we are?  Will we be faithful followers of the King in the manner in which we join the circle of life?