Father's Heart Blog

That cinema moment hits different when you’re a dad. Sitting there with your four-year-old, watching The Lion King again after all these years, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of it. I first saw it around age 11. Back then it was adventure. Now? It’s a mirror.

Six years ago I even used this film as the framework for a youth camp on identity. Rewatching it now, the message still roars just as loud—especially for young men.

Remember Who You Are

There’s a moment where Nala looks at Simba and says:
“Why won’t he be the king I know he is—the king he is inside?”
That line cuts deep.
Because how many young men today are running from who they really are, while the world quietly starves for lack of their courage?

Nala follows it with this truth:
“If you don’t do something soon, they will all starve.”
Simba replies, “Why worry?”
She answers, “Because it’s your responsibility.”
That’s the tension every man faces. Responsibility versus retreat. Purpose versus comfort. Calling versus hiding.

The Question That Changes Everything

Then comes Rafiki, asking the only question that actually matters:
“Who are you?”
Not:
What do you do?
What did you mess up?
What labels did others give you?
Just this: Who are you?
Rafiki answers it plainly:
“You are Mufasa’s boy.”
In Christ, the answer is even clearer:
You are God’s son.
Not someday. Not when you get it all together. Now.
Jesus didn’t say, “Try harder to become someone.” He said, “Abide in Me.”
Your identity doesn’t come from effort.
It comes from abiding in the Vine.

Look in the Mirror

Rafiki takes Simba to the water and says, “Look harder.”
Simba sees his own reflection—and then Mufasa’s face.
“He lives in you.”
Young men, this is the mirror of the Word.
When you look into Scripture, you don’t just see commands—you see Christ in you.
Paul said it plainly:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
If you forget who you are, you forget Him.
And if you forget Him, you’ll live beneath your calling.

Stop Running

Mufasa’s words still echo:
“Simba, you have forgotten who you are, and so have forgotten me.”
Running doesn’t erase the past. It just delays restoration.
Rafiki says it best:
“The past can hurt. But you can either run from it… or learn from it.”
Change is good—but it’s not easy. Healing requires honesty. Growth requires courage.
But sons of God don’t stay in exile forever.

Take Your Place

The enemy is clever, we must be on guard. The enemy will oftern play dead… then flick hot ash in your eyes and Scar did to Simba towards the end of the film.
Complacency blinds men. Comfort dulls courage. Distraction keeps kings out of position.
But hear this clearly:
It is time to take your place.
Not dominate. Not perform. Not pretend.
But to stand—rooted in Christ, abiding in the Vine, drawing life from Him daily.
When Simba finally roars, the land begins to heal. What was dry becomes alive again.

Let the World See the Father

Your bravery doesn’t just affect you. It feeds others. It restores territory. It reveals the Father.
Jesus said:
“If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
Young man—
Remember who you are.
Remember the true King.
Take your stand.
And roar.
Because when sons rise,
the places they inhabit are restored. 🦁