Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that people are without excuse.
One of my favorite movies growing up (after Aladdin, of course) was The Little Mermaid. Everything from the songs (Kiss de Girl is CLASSIC!), the idea of living under water without drowning, the way how Sebastian and Flounder could actually talk, a mermaid falling in love with a human and of course, Ariel’s wedding dress–I was enthralled with every aspect of this movie. But it wasn’t until nearly 20 years later when I came back and watched this childhood favorite with a different perspective that I learned just how much this story is a reflection of our relationship with God. I was amazed at how this cute little Disney cartoon, whether intentional or not, contains so many spiritual truths.
For those of you who aren’t too familiar with the movie (or if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it), here’s a brief recap:
• Ariel, not knowing what’s best for her but naturally thoroughly convinced she has it all figured out is angry with her father, King Triton, who is trying to protect her from the danger that lies beyond their realm.
• Feeling stifled, Ariel rebels against her father and finds other means in achieving what she desired: being on land and seeing Prince Eric, the human she saved, again.
• She seeks assistance from her father’s enemy, Ursula, to get to land. They strike a deal: Ursula provides Ariel with a body and gives her three days to get Prince Eric to fall in love with her in exchange for Ariel’s voice and the right to Ariel’s soul if she doesn’t get the Prince to fall in love.
• Three days pass. Because of the enemy Ursula’s purposeful scheming, Ariel is unable to hold up her end of the bargain and must return to the sea and be her slave.
• King Triton, not wanting his daughter to suffer, took the punishment/sentence that Ariel so rightfully incurred.
• King Triton took the punishment, some fighting ensued, Ursula was destroyed once and for all. All of the souls she held captive were now freed and restored to the state in which they were made to be.
• Everyone lives happily ever after.
After watching this movie as an adult, it was really easy for me to see that we aren’t that much different. To me, this movie is dripping with similarities in how we are and what God’s nature is. Humans, in our sinful natures, chase after our own selfish desires without little regard for the consequences. We rebel against God. When we live lives characterized by indulging our flesh, we are living in open rebellion against God. We give in to our sin and because of that, the consequence of that sin is (spiritual) death, an eternity away from our Creator. But God, in His infinite goodness, came to earth in human form and took upon Himself the punishment that is due us. When it is all said and done, the enemy will be destroyed once and for all and those of us who are redeemed will all be with God in our restored bodies, living happily ever after.
Everything testifies of God’s glory and sovereignty–good times, tragic circumstances, and even Disney movies! God’s presence can be seen in everything.