Caleb was distinguished among his people because he possesed the right spirit and was encouraged to pursue and posses the promise of God. Joshua 14:8 - My brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I (Caleb) wholly followed the Lord my God. The followings are discussed: Conflicting Reports; Speaking Boldly for God, and Receiving the inheritance.
Conflicting Reports: As the Israelites continued the journey to the promised land, Moses chose twelve leaders, one from each tribes to explore the land and then bring the report back to him. Caleb was chosen from the tribe of Judah. Moses sent them off with specific instructions which are: to asses the military strength and security of the people, and to find out good and bad of the land and cities, so that Israelites could strategize over entrance and possession of Canaan. The men followed Moses' instructions with precision while exploring the land. They saw goodness, fruitfulness and seemingly overwhelming threats associated with the land (Numbers 13:17-25).
God had promised He would take them to the promised land, flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:1-10), but didn't say there won't be challenges on the way. People can help solve or compound problems by their attitudes and actions. We should focus on God and walk with Him in obedience to receive His promises, rather than focusing on life obstacles which lead to discouragement and failure.
The spies returned back with conflicting reports. Instead of counting on the good of the land as God's promise, they were frightened by the appearance of people of the land (Numbers 13:26-33). However, Caleb believed in God promise and was encouraged. He calmed and encouraged the children of Israel to go up and posses the land. While Caleb saw the picture of God's blessing for Israelites others saw obstacles that wouldn't make them go ahead and take the promised land. They magnified the obstacles as would consume them. Fear soon spread among the Israelites that they relegated the promised land to an undesirable place. They were weakened by the report of the doubters. Christians should check out the kind of people they walk with and listen to. We must follow those who have confidence in God and reject the company of those who weaken faith.
Speaking Boldly for God: Christians must exercise courageous faith through challenges, and not respond as the Israelites did. The Israelites wailed and grumbled against their leaders, and desired to return to bondage in Egypt (Numbers 14:1-10). They also grumbled against God, questioning His wisdom to take them to the promised land. God was annoyed by their rebellious actions that He wanted to destroy the them and raise new generation that would make it to the promised land. Joshua and Caleb pleaded with the people, encouraging them that God would help them to take the promised land. Caleb faced the sceptical crowd and charged them to go and posses the land. We can put the devil to shame if we boast our confidence in God.
God recognized Caleb's courageous faith and heard Moses' plead and intercession on behave of his people and spared them, except those who are twenty years old and above (Numbers 14: 20-24). Caleb's had possessed a 'different spirit' that helped him to build courage and express full devotion to God. Christians must possess the Spirit of God to overcome doubts and fear.
Receiving the Inheritance: God has no pleasure in walking with the rebellious people and may never carry out His purpose through them. He could have destroyed all rebellious people if the faithful ones had failed to intercede. Caleb could possess the inheritance because of his courageous response and bold stand against negative report of the other men (Joshua 14:6-9). It is good to reflect on how God worked in our lives in the past, as such remembrance will draw our minds to His future promises. It will also help to confidently face challenges, find strength in the present and hope for the future.
Caleb was rewarded for his courage and faith. God is eternal and the passage of time may not be relevant to fulfilment of His promises. People can hasten, delay or prevent fulfilment of God's promises by their behaviours and actions. God knows everything about us and keeps records of our actions. A portion of the promised land was given to Caleb as inheritance for his descendants and succeeding generations. He was blessed and passed down the blessing to his generations. Christians must stand on God's promises and exercise courageous faith. Lesson texts: Numbers 13: 17 thru ; 14: 24 ; Joshua 14:1-15
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