SHARK WEEK!
- Key Verse
- "No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before me?" (Job 41:10)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God often gives us a glimpse of his character by reminding us of His creation. God uses an example of a ferocious creature that existed at that time to give Job perspective on how small Job is in contrast to God.
Reflections
I have to confess. I am a sucker for "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel. To be honest, I am a sucker for any show that incorporates dangerous animals, places or activities with humans. "World's Top 10 Most Venomous Snakes," "Most Dangerous Travel Destinations," "When Animals Attack"-- you get the picture. The truth is, much of God's creation is flat out dangerous! It is wild and beautiful at the same time. The peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The unexplored ocean floor. The frozen tundra of the Arctic. As Christians, we are drawn to these things because they all point to something even greater. They give us a glimpse of the heart of our Creator. And let's be honest. Would anyone watch a show called "Top 10 Flimsiest Trees," or "The World's Most Passive Predators"? I don't think so either.
In this passage, God describes to Job a creature that Job is familiar with. By its description, the "Leviathan" was obviously an amazingly strong and deadly creature. The passage tells us that no man could bind or contain this creature. We have some modern day examples that would also fit that description. For example, what hope does a crowd of circus spectators have when the elephant finally snaps and heads for the exit? Or a hiker caught between a mother bear and her cubs? It's amazing how fast nature can humble us.
As Christians, we can take refuge in this wild display of strength shown in God's character, especially with so much evil present in the world. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that "our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." A ROARING LION? What hope would we have outside of putting our faith in a God that none can bind or contain?
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever marginalized or doubted God's power?
2. What areas of our life seem like "roaring lions"? (Addictions, hangups, pride, etc.)
3. What steps can we take to begin trading fear for faith?
4. How can we encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same?
Chip Smith
April 26, 2010 05:57 AM
Good morning Aaron. You are right, I wouldn't be interested in a show called, "Ten Top Flimsiest Trees." lol Have you ever heard the phrase, "of biblical proportions?" This phrase is commonly used by news commentators when describing a natural disaster like tsunamis, hurricanes or earthquakes. I have to admit I really like to watch shows about such "wild" and "fierce" displays of nature. Who would of thought that the Weather Channel would be such a commercial success? Now, if you want to see some really phenomenal displays of "biblical proportions," then read: Luke 8:22-25, Matthew 28:2-4, Romans 10:9, and finally Revelation 3:20. Have a great day!
Sheryl Lucier
April 26, 2010 06:10 AM
Thank you for your words today Aaron. I am sending a copy of this with my letter to my 23 year old son who is in jail today facing his monster..which is drug addiction. This study of Job has been my salvation this past month. Thanks for taking the time to share God's word with others who so desparately need to here it today. Sheryl
Annette Boorman
April 26, 2010 07:30 AM
Aaron, what a great reminder that creation itself shows the wild and untame-able side of God's character! This morning I was really struck by the phrase "Behold, your expectation is false!" So often I base my expections of people and circumstances completely on MY desires and MY will and then am so disappointed or frustrated or angry when my expectation and my reality don't match up. Psalm 62:5-6 provides the antidote: "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved." When I get my expectation in line with His, things look a little different!
Marilyn Dixon
April 26, 2010 08:56 AM
Aaron, Thanks for reminding us that we serve a great and powerful God--that with His strength we can overcome any of the "roaring lions" that seek destroy us.
Rob Parkhurst
April 26, 2010 09:08 AM
Well done Aaron. I have been sharing how awesome God is in prison. I have been going from how wonderfully made our bodies are using Laminin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4 and pictures from the Hubble satellite to show how huge creation is and He is there and wants a personal relationship with each one of us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIoBCgRC7Uo&feature=related These links on Youtube videos take it to the extreme and are powerful. Several inmates have accepted Christ as a result of the content.
Benton Higgins
April 26, 2010 08:32 PM
Go Aaron! (North County San Diego, Woof! Woof!) I love this one, I have been ever intrigued by the Leviathan: A real-life fire breathing dragon! (I think). I may be king over the ant, but I remember a time when I was shaken to the foundations by witnessing softball-sized hail. I realized that my existence was not to be taken for granted. One hail to the skull and I would have been finished! The Lord truly holds our lives in his hands, and to not live with this revelation is folly. Thank you Lord for THIS day, SERIOUSLY.