In our pursuit of greatness, it’s all too easy to become ensnared in the mundane and the trivial. Yet, nestled within the pages of Job, we find a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within us, represented in Job 39:18: "What time she lifteth up herself on high, she scorneth the horse and his rider." This vivid imagery invites us to contemplate not only the majesty of the ostrich but also the higher calling that God has placed upon our lives.

The context of this verse speaks to the unique attributes of the ostrich, a creature often mocked for its apparent lack of nurturing instinct—"which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust" (Job 39:14). However, its instinct to lift itself high into the air illustrates a profound lesson about rising above challenges and expectations. Just as the ostrich 'lifteth up herself' to a position of height and safety, so too can we elevate ourselves above the struggles and trials we face daily.

The phrase "she scorneth the horse and his rider" suggests a powerful element of strength and indifference to the challenges posed by those who appear strong or powerful. In a world that often celebrates might and domination, the verse reminds us that true strength is not always about being the strongest or the fastest, but rather about transcending our circumstances.

Think about the horse and rider: in biblical times, they were symbols of power and military might. However, the ostrich, a creature of fragility, rises above this symbolism. When we elevate ourselves—whether through prayer, praise, or the pursuit of wisdom—we can rise above the fray, gaining perspective that allows us to see our challenges as they truly are.

God often calls us to rise above our limitations and societal expectations. In Romans 12:2, we are urged, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." In a sense, this transformation invites us to 'lift up ourselves' in a spiritual sense, allowing us to see the world from a divine perspective. As we renew our minds, we begin to scorn—not in contempt but in clarity—the burdens that once seemed weighty, the trials that appeared insurmountable.

Consider also what it means to be lifted high. To soar means to see clearly, to be unhindered by the noise below. From that vantage point, the things that seem large and daunting can appear small. It’s about clarity, about the ability to cut through the chaos to find the kernel of truth in our experiences. Lifted high, we are reminded of the greatness of God, and in that greatness, we find our true potential.

When life feels overwhelming, we can often feel like the horse and rider, powerful yet trapped within a set framework—judged by the speed at which we race or the goals we achieve. But Job's message challenges us to embrace our unique identities. We were crafted with intention, advised to rise above the competition, and empowered to live outside the dictates of societal pressure.

So today, ask yourself: What are the horses and riders in my life—the challenges that seem vast and formidable? In what areas am I being called to lift myself up high? As we reflect on Job 39:18, let us take heart in the knowledge that we are created to rise above, to scorn that which seeks to bind us, and to embrace the freedom that comes with following God's calling. Elevation is not arbitrary; it is a God-ordained process that transforms us, and in this transformation, we can joyfully scorn everything that doesn't align with the truth of who we are in Him.