The Lion King - A Family Reflection

Heart-moving, beautiful story of the Circle of Life. It takes place in the African forest. Mufassa is the king of the jungle. He has a beautiful family and a lovely boy called Simba. He is loved and respected by every animal in the jungle, and he eventually teaches his son Simba to live in peace and harmony with all creatures. This reminds me of the beautiful passage in Isaiah, which prophesied about peace on earth when the Messiah reigns:

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened animal together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra's den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:6-9)

Harmony reigns in the jungle - except for one member of the family, Scar, Mufassa's brother, who is consumed by jealousy. He harbours a selfish ambition to become king and conspires against Mufasa, using Simba to carry out his plan. For instance, Simba has received clear instructions from his father not to go to the elephant graveyard, and Scar will encourage him to do exactly what he should not, leading him into peril. Later, Scar conspires against his brother, leading to the latter's death and manipulates Simba into believing he is responsible.  

Overcome by guilt, Simba flees from his mother and the pride, believing he caused his father's death. He grew up among other animals, buried his grief and tried to live peacefully with them until he became an adult. 

Destiny has been written. Simba is the rightful heir to the throne, though everyone believes he is dead and unaware of it. After Mufasa died, Scar became king out of selfish ambition and led the animal kingdom to its ruin. Life is practically dead; there is no food, and everybody is waiting for another leader to take over.  

One day, Simba encounters Nala, his childhood best friend. She does not recognise him, but Simba reminds her who he is. Nala is emotionally revived. Her face shines to express hope. She urges Simba to return home to fulfil his mission as king over the jungle, but Simba hesitates, feeling the weight of guilt pressing hard still. It is only when the wise Baboon shows him that his father lives within him that Simba finds the courage to return.

Simba returns home to the amazement of everyone. A fierce battle takes place between him and Scar. The latter plays the blame card by reminding Simba that he killed his father, but this time his gambit fails. Everybody learns the truth, and Scar is defeated. Simba assumes his rightful place as king. He and Nola build a family of their own, welcoming Simba Junior. The forest is restored, and the Circle of Life continues.

This is the story of Simba. The Circle of Life. The story is light-hearted and entertaining, yet offers valuable lessons. It reflects life and what we can learn from it. Every family on earth, regardless of race, language, culture, and way of life, as represented by the different kinds of animals, goes through more or less the same circle of life. 

And, in every family, there are always one or two members or relatives who are jealous, selfish, lazy, and have no vision for life beyond envy of others. Because of their mindset and actions, they destroy their own future and that of others. When such people become leaders, the situation worsens, and entire communities or nations suffer, especially when we rely on them to maintain order and ensure prosperity. 

Scar reflects bad leaders in politics. When leaders are motivated by selfish ambition rather than a vision of building a healthy, thriving community or nation, hope is dead. 

Thank God, Simba learned good principles from his father, and, as the new leader, he applies them wisely.  

You can watch a trailer below