Fringes - Job 25-26

By the title Fringes I don't mean the TV show. I am referring to Job's response and statement in Job 26:14. But, let's first set the scene before I focus on the word, Fringe: After Bildad, in chapter 25, expounds on the power and strength of God, Job acknowledges Bildad's insights in chapter 26 (albeit he condemns Bildad for not really offering anything to help Job with His plight). Job agrees with Bildad, that God is awesome and man is nothing, but really wonders if Bildad is paying attention to his situation. The exchange reminds me of a teacher who asks questions of the entire class and yet when he calls on someone to answer they answer a question from two days prior. Bildad, according to Job, isn't offering much help to the weak and those in need ... particularly, him! In essence Job is suggesting that Bildad's doctrine is not practical enough for Job to learn anything or use it to get him out of his ordeal. Job goes on to say that he knows even more profound things about God. These profound things he mentions (26:5-12) are hard to understand. That is where our word for today comes in: Job says that these profound things about God that he and Bildad have observed are but the outer fringes of God's character. Job's point is that the outer fringes of God's character are so profound how would we ever understand God's true and enormous character? We can't know God the way He truly is and what we do know is but the fringe of His celestial garment. These words of Bildad will be the last we hear from him (and Zophar and Eliphaz). Job will now take five chapters to expound on this "outer fringes" thoughts about God in light of his situation. The point we gather from today is that God is so great and awesome, yet what we know is only the fringes of who He is. We know but the Thread of the Garment and not the Garment Himself. Let's rejoice at the size of our God - even if we can't truly grasp His complete divine wardrobe.