In the American movie Bruce Almighty, a frustrated news reporter named Bruce Nolan vents his anger at “God”, accusing Him of doing a poor job at running the world. “He’s the one who should be fired,” Bruce declares. In response, “God” offers Bruce the opportunity to take His place for a week. At first, Bruce eagerly uses his new powers for personal gain. But as the days go by, he quickly realises how overwhelming and impossible it is to manage even a fraction of what “God” handles. Eventually, Bruce gives up and pleads with “God” to take back control, surrendering entirely to Him.

In Job 40, God speaks to Job for the second time out of the whirlwind. He does not rebuke Job harshly, nor contradict what Job had said earlier. Instead, God gently yet firmly redirects Job’s gaze to His majesty and sovereignty. Like Bruce Nolan, Job is confronted with a divine challenge: if he thinks he can question God’s justice, then let him try taking on God's role—let him judge the wicked, humble the proud, and rule over creation.

Of course, Job was not able to. And that is exactly the point.

God invites Job to see his limitations as man, not to shame him, but to remind him of who truly holds all things together. Then, God uses the image of Behemoth—a mighty, huge, and strong creature, used metaphorically to describe any large powerful entity —to reinforce His point. This beast, though formidable, is still one of God’s many creations. If Job cannot contend with such a creature, how could he possibly contend with the God who made it?

This passage reminds us that God’s greatness is not a threat to us, but a comfort. He who rules the universe also formed us. He who created Behemoth is the same God who created and sustains us. As Isaiah 46:4 assures us,

“even to your old age I am he,

and to gray hairs I will carry you.

I have made, and I will bear;

I will carry and will save.”

When we face trials and feel tempted to question God’s ways, may we remember who He is. And may that remembrance lead us not to despair, but to deeper trust. The God who is infinitely powerful is also intimately present. He is more than able to carry us—even when we cannot carry ourselves. So let us rest in Him, knowing that He holds us—firmly, lovingly, and eternally.

Prayer :

Dear gracious and sovereign God, thank you, for revealing that Your ways are higher than ours, and Your power and might is beyond our comprehension. Thank you for reminding us that You are not only mighty, but also near. Teach us, Lord, to surrender to Your will when we cannot make sense of our circumstances. Help us to trust You more when life feels overwhelming, knowing that You are the One who sustains and carries us. May we find rest in Your greatness, and comfort in Your faithful love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.