Philippians 2:12: “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
You may have noticed that I often refer to the Book of Job. This profound scripture has become deeply meaningful to me, as I consider it one of the richest and most instructive books in the Bible, overflowing with life lessons.
I strongly encourage you to read the Book of Job repeatedly. It will bless you and offer priceless insights for life and godliness.
If God Himself spoke so highly of a man’s character and integrity, then that man is undoubtedly worth studying. Consider God’s words to Satan: “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth, blameless and of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”
God: “only spare Job’s life
When God permitted Satan to test Job, it seems that Job’s children were regarded as part of his possessions in the determination of what Satan could or could not touch. There was no mention of their protection, almost as though they were grouped together with Job’s material wealth.
Had Job’s children known God personally and for themselves, they might have been exempted from Satan’s reach, just as Job’s own life was specifically excluded from what Satan was allowed to harm.
It seems that Job’s children spent much of their lives indulging in feasting, partying, and drinking. In fact, they were engaged in a celebration at the very moment of their tragic death (Job 1:4, 1:13, 1:18-19).
Sadly, this isn’t uncommon among children of wealthy parents, who often lead careless and indulgent lives, relying entirely on their parents’ wealth. They appeared so indifferent about spiritual matters that Job felt compelled to intercede for them. After each feast, he sanctified them and offered sacrifices on their behalf, fearing they might have sinned (Job 1:5).
Collateral Damage
Ultimately, Job’s children became no more than part of the possessions Satan was allowed to touch during Job’s trial of faith (Job 1:11-12).
There’s only so far the prayers of your parents, spouse, or loved ones can take you!
I believe incidents like this are one of the reasons why the latter part of Philippians 2:12 says, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
You must know God for yourself and cultivate a personal, consistent relationship with Him.
Caleb and Joshua’s Faith in God
Remember the rebellion of the children of Israel when a select group was sent to spy out the land?
Of the twelve men who went, only two—Joshua and Caleb—returned with testimonies that reflected their personal faith in the God who had powerfully delivered them from Egypt. It’s clear that Joshua and Caleb didn’t simply follow Moses; they closely observed him and cultivated their own trust in God, not just relying on Moses’ belief.
Let’s look at how Joshua and Caleb responded to the doubts and negative reports from the Israelites:
Caleb boldly declared in Numbers 13:30, “Let’s go at once to take the land. We can certainly conquer it!”
When the people’s rebellion escalated, even to the point of plotting to choose a new leader and return to Egypt, Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in distress and urged the people: “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:6-9).
The Tragic Death of an Entire Generation of Israel in Egypt
This story concludes with that entire generation dying in the wilderness, though they were spared from immediate death due to Moses’ intercession.
God was clear about their fate: He declared that none of those who sinned, grumbled, or treated Him with contempt would ever enter the promised land. Only Joshua and Caleb were specifically spared (Numbers 14:23-24). Not only was Joshua spared, but he also went on to become Moses’ successor.
As I reflect on this lesson God has placed in my heart, I can’t help but wonder how many more people could have been spared if they had conducted themselves like Joshua and Caleb.
I firmly believe in my spirit that those who had faith in God and trusted in His boundless, limitless power would have been spared from death in the wilderness.
Meditative Declaration
I work out my salvation with fear and trembling. I serve God with all my heart and soul, embracing His precepts and will, and living them out faithfully.
Key Scriptures
Numbers 13-14, Job 1, Philippians 2:12
