Read: Philippians 2:12-18
. . . with fear and trembling. (v. 12)
A few years ago, my family and I visited the Grand Teton mountains. From 80-degree July heat at the base, we climbed up into stony spires covered in snow. The prevailing feeling I remember was fear. High winds, slippery ice, sheer cliffsides—all of it dangerous and immensely beautiful. Yet the fear I felt was not so much about the safety of the climb; it was awe, a fear bordering on wonder, on longing. I believe this is what Paul meant when he wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (v. 12).
This holy fear is intended to awaken our sensibilities to who God is and to what he does. This is the God who spoke the world into existence and might still speak into your life. This is the God who raised Christ from the dead and might raise you, too, out of the ache that has your life despairing and your heart breaking.
The idea, of course, isn’t to be afraid. Instead, the idea is to stay awake; it’s awe and reverence; it’s holiness and worship, and the best posture we can take is to fall flat on our faces. “For it is God who works in you . . . for his good pleasure” (v. 13). C. S. Lewis would tell us that our God is not a tame lion . . . and yet, we can trust that he is good. So tremble, yearn, fear—but let it be a fear that draws you toward the very heart of God.
As you pray, ask God to increase your wonder today.
Co-authored by Rev. Jon Brown and Justin Kuiper.
Jon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, Michigan. Jon loves preaching and loves walking with people through all of life’s circumstances. He loves to invite people to follow Jesus in community on mission. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
Justin Kuiper is a student from Holland, Michigan, studying English literature at Hope College. His own writing explores the many intersections of faith, storytelling, and the created order.
