Sermon Central
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The Lion King: Jesus' Church
Contributed by Ken Pell on Mar 14, 2011 (message contributor)
THE LION KING: JESUS' CHURCH
Disney's movie "The Lion King" features a young lion named Simba who is destined to rule the jungle but finds himself "on the outs." As the story opens, his father takes him to "Pride Rock" (the equivalent of a throne) and shows him his inheritance ... he would rule as far as his eyes could see; everywhere the sun placed its light.
Soon afterward an evil plot is set afoot and Simba's father is murdered. Simba flees. He runs from his destiny due to guilt and fear. In his absence the evil Hyenas take Pride Rock.
When the hyenas seize the throne the world changes. Their evil alters everything. The land becomes desolate and grey and life erodes into desperation.
Rafiki, the monkey, is the wise sage of the land. Rafiki seeks out Simba and helps Simba overcome his guilt and fear and aids him in understanding his destiny and person. You see, Simba did not fully grasp who he was or what power and authority he possessed.
Once Simba realized who he was, what he possessed, and his role in the society of the Savannah he returned, drove the hyenas Pride Rock, took His place as king, and restored peace and beauty to the land.
The story of pride rock serves as a very powerful parable illustrating chapters 12-14. When evil rules, the land and its inhabitants are devastated; but when the righteousness rules ...
Simba is a good illustration of Jesus' church. Often we, like the young Lion King, fail to recognize our position and inheritance. We fail to grasp that we are "A Kingdom of priests," destined and given a duty that brings peace and restoration.
Rev. 1:6 says, "And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father--to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen."
Rev. 5:10 says, "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
When the evil Hyena rules ... things are bad. When God rules ... things prosper.
Proverbs 14:34 says: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."
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