God’s Power Shown in Creatures
41 “[a]Can you draw out [b]Leviathan with a fishhook?
Or press down his tongue with a cord?
2 “Can you put a [c]rope in his nose
Or pierce his jaw with a [d]hook?
3 “Will he make many supplications to you,
Or will he speak to you soft words?
4 “Will he make a covenant with you?
Will you take him for a servant forever?
5 “Will you play with him as with a bird,
Or will you bind him for your maidens?
6 “Will the [e]traders bargain over him?
Will they divide him among the merchants?
7 “Can you fill his skin with harpoons,
Or his head with fishing spears?
8 “Lay your hand on him;
Remember the battle; [f]you will not do it again!
9 “[g]Behold, [h]your expectation is false;
Will [i]you be laid low even at the sight of him?
10 “No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him;
Who then is he that can stand before Me?
11 “Who has [j]given to Me that I should repay him?
Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.
The last few verses here bring to mind an amazing contrast, as God describes the might of the leviathan. Naturally, the power of the creator must be far above that of the creation, so that God rightly asks, “Who then is he that can stand before Me?” The answer would be no one, except for one small detail.
That is something we read about much later in the book of Hebrews. First, that we have a “great High Priest” in Jesus, who understands our weaknesses and our trials. Further, that we are invited by God himself to approach his throne of grace, “that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
A second contrast is seen in verse 11, and it reminds me of something many parents have no doubt experienced. Has your child ever asked you for money… so that they can buy you a birthday present or some other gift? So it is with us and God. Everything we have is a gift from Him, and yet we are His children. While God has no need of any gift, I’m sure the gift still brings Him joy, just as an earthly father still finds joy in the gifts of his children.
Regardless of what we give or do, it does not earn us any favor with God. We are not due any reward for doing precisely what we were created to do. Rather, the favor God showers down on us is due to His own grace and mercy. So do not hesitate to go to God, in any situation. Not as a mere subject, but as a child running to a loving parent, yet whose love is greater and better than the best earthly parent. He knows what you’re going through, and He knows exactly what you need, and He invites you to “boldly approach”.