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CALEB: FOLLOWING GOD FULLY

Date: 
Friday, April 28, 2017
Bible Meditation: 
Numbers 14: 1-38

But MY SERVANT CALEB, because he has a DIFFERENT SPIRIT in him and has FOLLOWED ME FULLY, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it – Numbers 14: 24

Caleb followed the Lord wholly through the weary years in the wilderness. Amid the murmurings and rebellions, he retained a steadfast purpose to do only God’s will and please Him. He became a tower of strength to the new generation which grew up to take the baton in Israel’s race to nationhood. Instead of witnessing his gradual eclipse, the passing years only served to increase his stature and enhance his prestige. Though condensed into a few sentences, his biography illustrates that: (1) it is possible for life’s greatest achievement to occur in old age; and (2) there is no retiring age in God’s service. Like Moses, Joshua’s life divides into three clearly defined periods: fervent youth; steadfast midlife; and adventurous aging.

Although his early life is not recorded, his subsequent history provides insight into his youthful fervour. His first mention in Scripture is as one of the twelve leaders selected and sent by Moses to spy out the land of Canaan (Num.13:2). To be so counted, he must have possessed qualities of character, diligence, and discipline. He undoubtedly displayed dauntless courage and a robust and unwavering faith. His moral courage shined in his standing almost alone against the tide of popular opinion. It took no small degree of physical courage to maintain his attitude of faith and opposition to the negative majority report of the ten spies when the stones began to be hurled (v. 10).

Caleb’s remarkable faith flourished so luxuriantly among the miasmas of unbelief that arose from the pessimistic report of the ten spies (Num.13:28-33). Into the chilling atmosphere of cowardice and unbelief, was injected a shot of radiant faith – a brave man among cowards, an assured man among sceptics. In the next phase, Caleb endured the seemingly silent, long drawn out years of middle life, surrounded by aimless wandering, without losing stature or spiritual integrity. With the grace of patient continuance, he never harboured jealousy of the new leader, Joshua or bitterness against God. The passage of the frustrating years could do nothing to quench his restful, but aggressive faith, or to dampen his passionate spirit.

Caleb soared with wings as an eagle in his youth. In mid-life, he mastered the art of running without wearying. In old age, he remained adventurous. The unique challenge and opportunity of this man of a “different spirit” came at age eighty-five, when most think only of security, comfort, and retirement (vv. 11-12). Not Caleb; he was physically virile and spiritually audacious. He desired God’s best. He demanded for Hebron, the most powerful stronghold of the enemy; and the choicest spot in the land – fertile, elevated, and with a wonderful view. To him, old age was not petering out, but pressing on to grander attainment; not slowly descending the mountain, but scaling new peaks; not senility, but adventure and achievement!

Caleb’s life moved steadily forward, not to termination, but to consummation. His last years were his best! For you and I, the message of Caleb’s life is that the best is yet to be and it’s never too late with God!

Adetokunbo O. Ilesanmi (Meditations) & Ref. to J. Oswald Sanders’ Men from God’s School, pp. 70-73

Prayer: 
Lord, nurture in me the spirit of faith, to maximize every season of life, fulfil Purpose, and finish well and strong, in Jesus name.
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