Caleb

Caleb's story begins in Numbers 13.  After the Israelites have been delivered from slavery in Egypt and brought to the edge of Canaan, Moses chooses one person from each tribe to check out the land that God has promised them.  Among them is Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, and Joshua, from the tribe of Ephraim.  The Bible says, "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land where into he went, and his seed shall possess it" (Numbers 14:24).  If there was ever a Bible character that displayed a proper attitude toward God and His Word, it was Caleb.  When ten of the twelve spies brought an evil, negative report, Caleb spoke in opposition to them and in favor of entering and conquering Canaan.  Caleb would not remain silent while the majority was doubting and disobeying God.  Thank God Caleb was willing to stand for what was right, even when the majority was against it.

Caleb, indeed, had a different spirit.  The popular ideology did not bulldoze him.  For forty-five years, Caleb had wandered in the wilderness even though it was no fault of his own.  He suffered the same hardships and trials as those who had disobeyed God.  Yet, his zeal to serve the Lord had not waned.   He was confident of inheriting God's promises even after wandering in the desert for many years!  At eighty-five, he had not relinquished the spirit that had motivated him when he was forty.  Caleb still believed that he could accomplish great things through the help and power of God.  He thought he could possess mountains!  No wonder God said, "My servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly."Caleb's courage resulted from the faith rooted in God's promise.  Joshua 14:13 says, "And Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb as an inheritance as Moses had promised him."  If we wholeheartedly follow the Lord and keep his commandments, then the Lord will bless you and me just as He blessed Caleb! 

My friend, may God give us the spirit of Caleb.  Let us hold on to God's promises even though we may not see any indication of them coming true, but speak positively and follow the Lord.   Let us ask God to give us a heart to fear God wholeheartedly and follow Him wholly, for there is much to be done and mountains to be conquered!  

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