Larry, the (not so scary) Leviathan

In a recent bunny trail of cross references I landed in the last few chapters of Job. Hesitant to read it because I myself might suffer tumultuous times (you undergo the same superstitions, I sure, in fact I still avoid revelation thinking the end time will come as soon as I read it. . .hmmm), I skimmed the material with eyes half closed. There, written in well crafted descriptions, an incomparably fierce beast lives.


I will be the first to admit my unhealthy fear of the long dead dinosaur. One look at the cover of the Jurassic Park DVD will make me believe raptors are living in my basement, thus another room rendered obsolete due to dinosaur habitation. So reading a story about a "leviathan" whose description sounds about as close to a sea dwelling dinosaur as I've ever heard, made my palms a little sweaty.

This mighty beast cannot be caught, it will not beg for mercy, and it certainly cannot be put on a leash as a pet. "If you lay a hand on him, you will remember the struggle and never do it again!" (Job 41:8) Any hope of subduing him is false, and even the sight of this creature is overpowering. In the midst of describing the leviathan God says, " No one is fierce enough to rouse him. Who then is able to stand against me? Who has any claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me." Job 41:10-11

After picturing the matchless strength of this created being, God notes that he is more powerful. If there is not a contender for the leviathan, than certainly there is no contender before God. I was humbled as I meditated on God's power and strength. How foolish I am to try and contain God or manipulate him, as if I actually could. Pride and arrogance have run ahead of me blazing my path, going my own way, believing I know what's best, good, and right. I've lived moments of attributing any success to my own abilities and spoken opinion as if they were God's. Now I realize that when I've done these things I am standing against God.

In the final chapter, after God reminded Job of his incomparable power, Job replies, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2 I cling to the might of God. How good it is to remember that no on can stand against him; no one can thwart his plans; no one can match his abilities.

One difficult thing about being in full time ministry is to try and not formulate the "perfect plan" for each student. This means a delicate balance of praying for wisdom to guide them, and pushing them to consider opportunities that will encourage their growth. I know many times I have wanted a student to make a decision about their summer or semester so bad that I almost make it seem that it's the only way to know God better. It's in these times of control that I stand against God thinking I have the best plan for the student, rather than letting God work in their hearts while using my efforts as a mentor in their lives.

It is so good to know that God's power is at work in the lives of my students and my personal life. Living in the reality of who we are in comparison with God instantly humbles the prideful, with the reminder that he calls the shots. Growing in the knowledge of his power will also put perspective to any situation or circumstance placing peace in our hearts. I am so thankful for a God who's power surpasses even the sharpest teeth and fiercest prehistoric attitudes.

My less than intimidating rendition of the leviathan. . .he looks sorta furry and kind.