APOLLO 13 (1995)

Directed by: Ron Howard
Written by: William Broyles Jr., Al Reinert
Studio: Universal Pictures
Starring: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris
Rated: PG

About the film:

When a serious malfunction occurs onboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft which is on its way to the moon, a team of earthbound engineers furiously work to find a solution to bring the crew back home. Based upon an incident which took place in 1970, the film is a testament to the ingenuity and faith of a dedicated team of professionals.

Movie Quote:

"Failure is not an option."
Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) in Apollo 13 (1995)

Bible Quote:

"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail."
Luke 16:17 (KJV)

Commentary:

While it is a wonderful mindset to have, Gene Kranz's comment cannot be construed as a statement of fact. Men fail all the time. We are fallible creatures; prone to mistakes and errors in judgment. However, in those times when failure cannot be an option, there is one way to ensure success.

God, who is infallible, has always made His will known to men. First, it was written in the stars. Later, it was handed down verbally from father to son by the patriarchs of old. Then it was committed to a written form after holy men of God spoke, being moved by holy spirit. Finally, Jesus Christ became the embodiment of God's Word in human form because he always did his Father's will and perfectly fulfilled God's law. All of these forms of truth were given unto us so that we would come unto the knowledge that God has always wanted us to know.

God's Word is truth and truth can never fail. The "tittle" referred to in the quoted verse from the gospel of Luke is the tiniest part of a small letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Using this as a figurative reference, God is telling us that no part of His Word, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, will ever fail. Therefore, if we desire success in our lives, all we must do is trust in that Word and follow the truth it conveys to us. When failure is not an option, God's way is the only way to go.

Questions to consider while watching the film:

1. If it is true that failure does not have to be an option, why do some people, even Christians, fail?

2. How do the astronauts aboard Apollo 13 handle their fear? What can we learn from their actions?