To grasp the weight of Job 41:11, we must look at the larger picture—specifically, chapters 38 through 42. Some scholars believe Job is the oldest book in the Bible, which, if true, underscores a timeless struggle: Why do bad things happen to good people? And just as ancient is the mistaken assumption that suffering must be punishment for wrongdoing.

The first 37 chapters detail Job’s misfortunes and his debates with so-called friends who insist he must have sinned to deserve such hardship. Job, however, maintains his innocence. He wrestles with the idea that God seems unjust, pleads for an answer, and longs for an audience with God. He believes that if God would only listen, He would clear Job’s name. Yet he also grapples with a deeper issue—how can a just God allow the world to operate in ways that make no sense to him?

As the saying goes: Be careful what you wish for. Job gets his audience with God, and what follows in chapters 38 through 41 is not an explanation but a storm of questions that put Job in his place. God challenges him: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?” (Job 40:2). Job quickly realizes he’s in over his head: “I spoke once, but I have no answer—twice, but I will say no more.” (Job 40:5). Yet God isn’t done. In chapters 40 and 41, He drives home Job’s smallness in the grand scheme of creation. And in Job 41:11, God makes it crystal clear: Everything belongs to me.

Humans can no more grasp God’s ways than a dog can comprehend human reasoning.

And yet, when God turns to Job’s friends, He rebukes them—not Job. Their rigid belief that suffering equals punishment misrepresents God. “I am angry with you and your two friends because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has” (Job 42:7). Job’s raw honesty and humility please God more than their false certainty.

Father God, we may never understand you fully, but we can love you and trust in your love for us. Keep our hearts open, and protect us from the kind of certainty that leads to misunderstanding you. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.