So much focus is given to Joshua‘s role as leader that we often forget about Caleb. He was the only other spy to offer a positive report to Moses about the Promised Land which reflected faith in God. Moses promised Caleb that his faith would one day be rewarded. That time had finally arrived! Notice the following aspects of His testimony:
1. His entire life had been characterized by wholehearted obedience and faithfulness to God.
Josh. 14:8-9 “Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.”
2. God in turn had blessed him with a long life and good health.
V10-11 “And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.”
3. His faith increased with age and he was not afraid to attempt great things for God!
V12-13 “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.”
LESSON - If we maintain a faithful walk with the Lord, we should humbly ask for and expect God‘s blessings to be upon our lives. With those blessings, God will increase our faith and challenge us to accomplish GREAT things for Him. Your flesh will always direct your attention to your limitations, but your faith will always draw your attention to a limitless God. Dare to do GREAT things for Him!
V14b “because he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”
~Mike