March 13: Joshua 13-17

Remember Caleb? On February 8th, we read that the Israelites had made it to the Promise Land and sent 12 spies to survey it. When they returned, things went terribly wrong. Ten of the twelve spies spread a bad report among the people, saying that it would be impossible to defeat the Canaanites. They focused on the problem and didn't believe that they could take the land. The other two spies (Joshua and Caleb) had a totally different perspective. They focused on the promise that the Lord made, and they knew they could defeat any enemy as long as He was on their side. Unfortunately, the people sided with the ten, even going so far as wanting to stone the two who were telling the truth (Num 14:10). Needless to say, God was angry at their faithlessness. None of them, except Joshua and Caleb, would live to enjoy the blessings of the land.

Fast forward 45 years. All those present who did not believe are dead. Under Joshua's leadership, they have conquered and settled the Promise Land. Before the land west of the Jordan river was divided among the tribes, Caleb approached Joshua and reminded him of a promise the Lord made through Moses: "Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers, except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly." (Duet 1:35-36) Joshua granted his request.

Caleb is an amazing example of having complete faith in the promises and the power of God. When everyone else was grumbling against God, he spoke up and said that he believed God would see them through any situation that seemed impossible. He risked his life in order to stand up for what was right and God blessed him for it. Not only did he live long enough to enter the Promise Land, but the Lord also granted him good health and strength beyond that of a typical 85-year-old man! He fought in numerous battles that I'm sure would have drained the strength of a man half his age.

 

I'm sure we all have been in a situation where we felt alone, like the only voice speaking the truth in a crowd. I encourage you to remember Caleb, how he believed in God's promises. He did not let a grumbling crowd (who wanted to stone him!), 45 years of waiting, or hard-fought battles stop him from having faith in the Lord.

 

Proverbs 3:1-4

My son, do not forget my teaching,
   but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
   and bring you prosperity.

 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
   bind them around your neck,
   write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
   in the sight of God and man.