Coach’s Corner

It was 1981 when we all decided that it would be cool to be an archeologist. That was the year we all met Indiana Jones. There may have been a character like his that came before, but not in my lifetime. Indiana Jones was the first of his genre for me… and for millions in my age group. And at about the same time the decade was coming to a conclusion, so did our adventure with Indy. Or at least we thought so. But apparently, Indy, like skinny ties, is making a comeback.

We got a gift certificate at Christmas to go to the movies. We had intended to use it for the new installment of the Chronicles of Narnia, but we got to see that free of charge. So…. we were able to preserve our certificates and go see the older, wiser, and slightly grayer Indiana Jones this afternoon.

As an Indiana Jones installment, it was true to character. It incorporates plenty of standard Indiana Jones elements. Most of them highly enjoyable and it stirs the old memories. This is a smart move by the filmmakers since if they’re going to re-launch the Indy brand, they need to connect it to the old one first.

I particularly got a kick out of a scene that included a snake, Indy’s favorite reptile. There is plenty of use of Indy’s whip, and the first one is good for a laugh to boot. The fighting is old school with old school sound effects. But that’s part of the appeal back to the older versions. As with all Indy movies, there are puzzles to solve and adventures to set out on. This edition is very consistent with the older versions and worth the watch. Be advised though that this is NOT a movie for younger children. There is even one scene that gave me the willys (lots of ants… “why did it have to be ants?”)

That’s my general review… not let me add a few spiritual thoughts.

“it seems like we’re at a point where life just takes from us instead of giving.” - At one point Indy is lamenting the recent loss of both his dad and one of his best friends in short order. To which his dean made the preceding statement. Without question, we do experience times in life where it feels as if life actually is taking and not giving. But didn’t Job suffer through that situation? His response is that “the Lord gives, and the Lord takes, blessed be the name of the Lord”. Another perspective on this statement is that life is not about what we receive… it is about what we give. Have you ever heard the following quote: “We earn a living by what we get. We earn a life by what we give.” Jesus himself said that he came to serve, not to be served. The point is that our focus should be on what we give, not what we get. And even when it seems that all that we love and care about is being taken away, let us remember the wisdom of Job.

“If you want to be a good archeologist, get out of the library.” - In a fun scene, Indy passes through the library on a motorcycle (you’ll just have to see it for yourself), and as he leaves, he makes that statement. This particular quote struck me pretty hard. As a ministry leader, there is so much to do. Administrative details, study, prayer, etc. There is often more to do than there are hours in the day. But I tend to believe that the advice Indy gave to the Archeology student rings true for people in ministry. So much of what I do keeps my tied down to an office, but ministry happens “out there”. Maybe that line speaks to you in some other way as well. For me personally, I am praying that I can find my way out of the library and out to the field.

I hope you can make it out to enjoy the new chapter of Indiana Jones. If you do, enjoy it for the entertainment… but see if God reveals any spiritual treasure for you to dig up in the process.