My mathematician friend Dr. Alexander Soifer also teaches European cinema. Occasionally he invites me to a film he showing to his class. I’ve had a hard time understanding most of them, but I’ll have to say Leviathan was an exception.

It’s a depressing story of how the corrupt mayor of a Russian village, with the help of a corrupt judicial system and a corrupt church, steals the beach-front property of a citizen. The book of Job is quoted in the film and gives the film its name – God speaking to Job:

Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook or press down his tongue with a cord? Can you put a rope in his nose or pierce his jaw with a hook? (Job 41.1, 2, ESV)

Although Job is quoted, it’s really the story of King Ahab stealing Naboth’s vineyard (See 1 Kings 21.) I’m writing today about a conversation between the mayor and a bishop. The mayor has been threatened with having his past misdeeds exposed, and he’s trying to get some solace from the bishop when this exchange occurs:

Bishop: “Do you go to confession and take communion?” 
Mayor: “Yes, every week without fail [ p a u s e ] I try. Of course, sometimes I am too busy.” 

It reminds me that if someone were to ask me, “Bob, do you have your time with God?” And I would reply, “Oh yes, absolutely, without fail…I try – of course, sometimes I am too busy.”

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5.3, NIV)

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8.34, 35, NIV)