VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA (1961)

Directed by: Irwin Allen
Written by: Irwin Allen, Charles Bennett
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Walter Pidgeon, Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden
Rated: PG

About the film:
When the Van Allen radiation belt catches fire, the admiral of a new atomic powered submarine takes decisive action. His plan is to launch nuclear missiles into the belt thus putting out the flames. He has plenty of obstacles to overcome: his plan is not authorized; his crew is close to mutiny; and there’s a saboteur on board his vessel.

Movie Quote:
“If God ordains that man should die without a fight, then why does He give us the will to live?”
Admiral Nelson (Walter Pidgeon) in Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)

Bible Quote:
“This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”
Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)

Commentary:
There are a lot of things that can be said about death – that it is God’s will for us is not among them. In 1 Corinthians, death is called an “enemy;” in Hebrews we read that the “power of death” belongs to the devil; in other sections of the Bible death has been given these descriptive attributes: “terrors,” “sorrows,” “snares,” and “a sting.” In Proverbs we even see that death is costly to God.

As God’s children, we have been given the greatest privilege and responsibility in the world. We are to serve as His hands, feet, and voice with our whole hearts, souls, minds, and strength. We are to sound out with His truth as we live our lives to their fullest. Quite simply, we cannot fulfill that purpose when we are dead.

Jesus Christ willingly gave up his life for a single reason… that we might live. The payment of his ultimate sacrifice need not be made again by us. Our sacrifice is to be a living sacrifice and is paid through our obedience to our heavenly Father’s will.

While death is certainly inevitable and will come to all of us (should our Lord tarry), it need not be feared. Neither is death to be welcomed as a friend. As long as we have strength to resist, we should choose life. It is the choice God would have us make.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Why did death originally come into this world? What was the cause and what was the source?
2. Admiral Nelson is single-mindedly determined to carry out his plan and will consider no other options even though many are opposed to his proposal. How can we tell the difference between acting with conviction and just being stubborn or unreasonable?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com