12 Jul, 2006

A Treasure for Pirates

You don't have to stay in the "Dead Man's Chest".

Have you seen the movie? Here's the basic story:
Plot Summary for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Once again thrown into the world of the supernatural, Captain Jack Sparrow finds out that he owes a blood debt to the legendary Davey Jones, Captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. With time running out, Jack must find a way out of his debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation and servitude in the afterlife. And as if this weren't enough, the Captain's problems manage to wreck the wedding plans of a certain Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who are forced to join Jack on yet another misadventure.

photo & text courtesy imdb.com

Colossians 2:13-15

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (ESV)

Why is this truth like discovering a treasure chest?
Our debt for our sins has been paid in full by Jesus Christ! The penalty for our sins (eternal damnation and servitude in Hell) was taken care of by Jesus when He sacrificed His perfect life on the cross. Christ's resurrection from death proves that He is the Savior. He offers us a priceless treasure - forgiveness from God the Father!

In a sense, we're all pirates from birth. Every one of us have stolen away the relationship that God intended us to have with Him when He created us. We have sold our soul to hell to gratify our own self-centered desires. Only a blood payment will forgive the debt we owe, because we have broken God's law.

This is where the essence of God's Story comes in - He sent Jesus to rescue us! He frees us from being trapped in a "dead man's chest" of sin. Jesus paid the "blood debt". He invites us to experience true adventure with Him now and forever! Yo ho ho!

How can you connect your story to today's God's Story?
  • If you have never let Jesus rescue you, now is the time. With time running out, Captain Jack Sparrow had to find a way out of his debt or be eternally doomed. Every breath you take brings you closer to the end of your earthly life and/or Christ's return, whichever happens first. You can open up and receive God's treasure of forgiveness right now by telling Him you want the relationship He offers you....Dear God, I know that my sin has separated me from You. Thank You that Jesus Christ died in my place and rose again to be my Savior. I turn from my sin and trust Jesus to forgive me. Come into my life and lead me. Thank You for giving me a relationship with you forever. In Jesus' name, Amen. If you have received Jesus into your life just now, please contact us so that we can help you learn to follow Jesus every day.
  • If you are a follower of Jesus, evaluate if you are living like a "dead man or dead woman" or someone who is alive in Christ? Are you living as a "slave" to your old sinful nature or are you trusting Jesus to give you victory in life's daily battles? Write a note to Jesus that honestly expresses your struggle and your desire to let Him use your new nature to glorify Him.
  • For more on the difference between your new life in Christ and your old life, read Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:23-24, and Colossians 3:3-15.
  • Whenever you see media promo on the new Pirates movie, stop and thank God for His treasure!
How can you connect your story and God's Story to your friends and family who need to know and/or apply the truth of today's God's Story?
  • If they are followers of Christ, send them this devo or sit down with them at a computer and look at today's God's Story together. Be real about how Jesus is working on you and in you. Don't try to teach them - just listen.
  • If they are not followers of Jesus and you both like movies, go see the new Pirates movie together and then hang out and talk. A simple question to use could be....Did you think there were any spiritual themes or messages in the movie? Remember not to preach. Love and listen....
comments

Ornament
God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.