What can we learn about humility from God's description of His creations? Setting the Scene “See now, its strength is in its loins, and its power is in the muscles of its belly.” (Job 40:16) God is describing Behemoth—a massive land creature that dwarfs human strength. He speaks not to entertain Job but to recalibrate Job’s perspective. Gazing at Behemoth’s sheer power is meant to draw Job (and us) into humble awe before the Creator who formed it. What God Highlights about Behemoth • Strength concentrated “in its loins” – an image of raw, unstoppable force • “Power… in the muscles of its belly” – strength that is innate, not acquired • Created, fed, and ultimately ruled by God alone (Job 40:19–24) These details remind us that even the mightiest creature owes every sinew to its Maker. Humility Lessons Drawn from the Description • God’s creative power dwarfs human ability – If Behemoth’s bulk overwhelms us, how much more the One who designed it (Job 38:4–11). • Every creature, no matter how formidable, remains dependent on God – “The cattle on a thousand hills are Mine” (Psalm 50:10). • Human comparison provokes rightful lowliness – Job’s response: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to You?” (Job 40:4). • True wisdom begins when we stop boasting and start listening – “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Echoes of Humility in the Rest of Scripture • Job 42:5-6 – Job repents “in dust and ashes” after seeing God’s greatness. • Psalm 8:3-4 – Observing the heavens brings the psalmist to marvel, “What is man…?” • Isaiah 66:2 – “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit.” • 1 Peter 5:5-6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand.” • Philippians 2:5-8 – Christ Himself models ultimate humility, laying aside rightful glory. Practical Takeaways • Let creation be a daily sermon. A sunrise, a mountain range, even a strong animal can remind us that we are not the center—God is. • Shift from self-reliance to God-reliance. If Behemoth depends on the Creator for breath, so do we (Acts 17:25). • Respond to God’s greatness with submission, not argument. Job’s silence (Job 40:4-5) marks the path of true humility. • Clothe all relationships in lowliness. The same God who rules Behemoth “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Living It Out Today • Pause and observe something God made—then consciously thank Him for His power displayed in it. • Replace complaints with confession; trade self-defense for worship. • Serve others quietly, remembering that even Christ “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:7). The muscles of Behemoth preach loudly: God is immeasurably greater; we are gladly smaller. Genuine humility is simply agreeing with that reality and living like it. |
    |