"Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that the Anakin were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive themm out as the Lord has spoken." Joshua 14:12
There are three fascinating things going on in this passage of scripture that will surely encourage both the strong and faint of heart. It is Caleb that has spoken these words. The occasion is the distribution of territories in the promised land. Caleb is requesting his parcel.
The first interesting thing to note is that Caleb is one of just two survivors that began the Hebrews' wilderness trek at the age of 20+. This was accomplished by the grace of God through Caleb's faith. He and Joshua were two of the 12 spies that went into Canaan. While 10 brought back a negative and pessimistic report filled with fear, it was Caleb that spoke up and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it," Num 13:31. God rewarded this faith by blessing him live and to go into the promised land.
Then, at the age of 85, Caleb was still desirous to fight the enemies of God. He states in Joshua 14:11, "I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me' as my strength was then, so my strengh is now, for war and for going out and coming in." You see beloved, though the land was surely promised to the children of Israel, it was occupied when they arrived there. It was necessary to evict the tenants. Despite his advanced age, Caleb was ready to continue doing the Lord's will.
Finally, one might think because of what he had been through and because of his advanced age, he would collect as his reward the choicest most fertile fields on which to retire. In fact, he chose a very hilly terrain that was occupied by a fierce people and heavy fortifications. It was Caleb's plan to rid the land of the squaters and ultimately give an inheritance of the land to his daughter, Achsah. Eventually, he did just that. How many of us feel entitled and less unwilling to work as we see our age advance? Caleb is an example of remaining on the battlefield of the Lord despite the most difficult circumstances.
As you consider the life of this man, consider the status of your faith at your current age. Is there room to grow?
In Revival,
Lee
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