Pirates of the Caribbean 4: Stranger Tides Is All Washed Up
If you’re reading this, the Rapture didn’t end up happening on May 21st. Bummer that we’re not seeing Jesus face to face, but at least you can go check out the latest swashbucklin’ high seas adventure with Captain Sparrow and his band of ruthless raiders.
Which reminds me…what does a pirate think happens at the end of time? Arrrrrrmageddon!
Yep, Jack is back and he’s in a mad race to find the fabled fountain of youth. And if I looked like the majority of the characters in this film, I’d be searchin fer it too, matey! You have to give props to the director though, because he finally found in Penelope Cruz someone who shares the same passion for mascara as Johnny Depp.
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And does anyone find it strange that Geoffrey Rush is working for King George II, when just a few months ago he was teaching King George VI how to speak without stuttering? Maybe Barbossa’s great-great-grandson gave up pirating to become a speech therarrrrrapist?
But with a title like Stranger Tides, one would expect a treasure full of fun and excitement. Unfortunately the average moviegoer is going to be man overbored after sailing with this one for over 136 minutes. Don’t get me wrong - there’s definitely swords-a-clashing and guns-a-blazing action and killer special effects, but the film just doesn’t have enough wind in its sails to stay afloat. Captain Sparrow was funny back in 2003, but I kinda doubt they even bothered to wake him up for Pirates 4.
And as cool as Ariel the mermaid gone bad and ships with afterburners sound, it still doesn’t compare with a pirate ship throw down in the middle of a vortex. Just sayin.
One thing they did get right, though, is our world’s fascination with The Fountain of Youth. For thousands of years the human race has been enamored with the idea of a source of water that would heal and preserve you so that you could live forever.
Which tells me that there are many, many “thirsty” people drudging through this life and dreading what happens in the next. They know something is missing, but like a tickle in your throat that refuses to go away, they just can’t figure out what to “drink”’ to bring relief and peace of mind. Some guzzle booze, some sex, some success, and some entertainment, but in the end the spiritual dehydration lingers.
This is exactly what Jesus noticed one day when He risked His life to attend a festival in Jerusalem. He knew that there were religious leaders there who plotted to end His life, but He showed up anyway. Why? Because He knew that in the middle of the partying, there was an overflow of emptiness that saturated the crowds. So in a hugely dramatic moment, He leapt to a high point and shouted at the top of His lungs-
“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him) (John 7:37-38).
The Fountain of Youth is NOT in Florida, folks, nor is it in some secret location that requires a map and a pirate ship to locate. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fountain, and He offers infinitely more than something as fleeting as youth…He offers life that is more fulfilling and flooding over with joy than you could possibly imagine!
Are you thirsty? Then take Jesus up on His offer to quench your parched soul. When you trust in Him as your only hope of salvation, the Holy Spirit enters your life and replaces that thirst with a fountain that never runs dry.
And remember that your friends are thirsty too. They are chasing happiness and contentment like groups of grumpy pirates, but they will never find their true destination until they throw away the world’s map and follow the plan of salvation God reveals through the gospel message.
Life may seem like a journey through stranger tides, but you have the choice to take the wheel and chart your course through THE Cause Jesus gave us. It may not always be smooth sailing, but it will be a greater adventure than you ever imagined!
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
In many ways, being a part of THE Cause is like being in a race for a great treasure. Think about it - your friends’ eternal destiny weighs in the balance each and every day - and Satan is on your heels to get to their hearts first. This is serious, high stakes business.
Accelerant: Fuel for THE Cause
Pray: Lord, I know that you are truly the ‘Captain of our salvation’, so we ask that you would lead our journeys to places that make us effective for your Kingdom. Thank you for giving us living water, and we pray that you would cause rivers to flow from our hearts.
Read: John 4:13. Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.
Get: Taking time to focus your attention on God each day will help you chart your course. For help with this, check out Dare 2 Share’s free online devotions.
