Joshua 14.6-15
Often faith and perseverance walk hand in hand. In this instant gratification world, it is easy to forget that. Let me illustrate with the holiday classic movie, March Of The Wooden Soldiers. Back in the day, once a year, on Thanksgiving Day. Now, anytime you wish, you can pause it rewind it, pick out a favorite scene all in color!
Caleb's name means "wholehearted".
He followed the LORD in the way we should follow Him... With all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He followed Him in the face of disappointment. He was ready to go in and take the land but the nation retreated.
Caleb's waiting showed his perseverance and faith. Waiting proves the man or woman of God.
He believed the Word, recalled the promise, and claimed the blessing.
1.Caleb waited 45 years to receive what was promised to him.
This waiting period was due to the sin and unbelief of others.
He did not let the unbelief of others deter him. We cannot either.
He did not it discourage him. Still I will follow.
He did not kept it dissuade him.
He kept the faith while other's failed.
He spoke according to his convictions. Verse seven
He knew how to stand alone. The whole nation panicked.
The temptation is there to hide our convictions when they are unpopular.
The history of Caleb is the history of every man who is honest and sets himself apart from the prevailing opinions of the day. If your heart is right with God you will speak the truth.
He was a man of sincerity and integrity, a model of unbending integrity.
Caleb advocated the course that seemed to be the most dangerous.
The secret to Caleb's character was a whole hearted devotion to the LORD. A steady, progressive life of faithfulness.
Caleb was 20 years older than the oldest man other than Joshua in all of Israel.
He testified of
God's faithfulness v.10
God's goodness v.11
God's power v.12
Our ability to gain the power over our enemies is not in our wisdom or strength but in the LORD being with us.
2. When it came time for him to receive the promises he wanted all the LORD had for him. v.12
Caleb set a high value on the promises of God. So should we! He was humble. He looked to the LORD for strength.
Numbers 14.24
He had wait through wilderness wanderings, struggles, conflict.
He had an unshakable conviction that the LORD delights in.
The time was in his latter years. The vision of the LORD can grow sharper as the years pass. Verse 11
Strong in the faith.
15.14 he expelled the enemy from the land... The end if Joshua tells us that many were unable to. He drove out three giants.
The best reward for faithfulness is the renewed ability to serve.
He took on the Anakims. We face fear, temptations, persecutions. They can be defeated through faith.
3. Caleb was a generous man. 15.13-19
Proverbs 11.25
A generous man waters himself.
The blessings of his life overflowed to others.
What a wonderful thing to be able to go into old age with an overflowing experience. Brother Hazard was like that. Full of the fruit of the Spirit, overflowing with generosity.
God rewards obedience. Verse nine
Hebron= fellowship, love and communion. Here Abraham spoke face to face with the LORD. Caleb caught a glimpse of the reward of discipleship at Hebron. He pressed on until Hebron was his! 14.14
4. Caleb was an ordinary man.
Not a the leader of Israel or a prince, just a spy. Had there been 12 Calebs there would have been no wanderings out in the wilderness.
Moses and Joshua were the faithful leaders. Caleb was a faithful follower. More followers than leaders, more humble men than exalted ones. Be a faithful follower of the LORD's.
Kenaz was an Edomite name... Possible brought into Israel by "adoption"
The memory of Caleb's victories inspire us.
What territory does the LORD have for you to claim in these last days?
Caleb's God is our God!
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Blessed Is He Who Comes In The Name Of The Lord!
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