1. The history of this passage – 12 Spies – 10 Got scared and said no go – But Joshua and Caleb said – God can do it.
NU 13:30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
The people didn’t want to so God punished them.30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. 32 But you–your bodies will fall in this desert. 33 Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the desert. 34 For forty years–one year for each of the forty days you explored the land–you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’ 35 I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this desert; here they will die.”
But Caleb and Joshua got to stay around and see the promised land.
2. Why? Because they followed God.Look at this verse. V8I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
What a great testimony to be able to give. Wouldn’t it be great to say I followed the Lord with everything I have. Actually, It would be great to be able to say at the end of the day, I followed the Lord wholeheartedly today. It is hard enough on a day to day basis, but here is a man who could say it over a period of 45 years.
What does it actually mean to follow God wholeheartedly? What does it mean in practical 2009 terms???Doin’ what God wants us to with our lives. Telling people about Him, focusing on Him, working at our jobs with integrity, letting him call the shots with our money, treating people properly. Basically, living the way God wants. It’s not impossible. Caleb is never mentioned as having not sinned – just that he followed God with everything he had, the best he could. We don’t have to be perfect – just give it our best shot.But notice, it is about trusting in God. That’s what He did and the others didn’t.
So, if your strugglin with life – trust in Godif there is not enough money to pay the bills – trust in Godif your work is a hassle – trust in GodIf your kids are a worry – trust in God
If your parents are a worry – trust in God
Basically – trust in God.
3. Trusting in God has rewardsIt’s hard working this one out. Here we have Caleb faithfulness rewarded.
9 So on that day Moses swore to me, `The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’
But in reality – it doesn’t always work – does it. Was Caleb’s only reward a physical plot of land – no – he had a special relationship with God. Rewards are to do with the whole of life. Physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Caleb did what was right – he was a peace with God – that I think is the biggest reward. I suppose for me – that is the issue. I am not particularly financially orientated. I get it I spend it. If it isn’t there then I make do.For other people though, their perception is that money is security, or money is success, having money is God’s reward. It could be part of it – but not all of it. Security is being at peace. With neighbors, the bank, the wife, and God. Any over emphasis is dangerous and unbalanced.Caleb got his land, but he had his security in God.
4. God gives us blessings over and above. Look at this, not only lived 45 years longer but maintained his youthfulness.JOS 14:10 “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.
If you could market this, you could make a fortune. Hang on we can. We can tell people that life has real meaning when you are right with God. God gives us the strength to do His will AND sometimes blesses us specially. This is kinda special.
If time – mums Blessing over and above.
5. Just because He got specially blessed – doesn’t mean he stopped trusting God.12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
With the Lord helping me!!!!!Hey what an attitude. This guy could now comfortably expect to retire and justifiably so – he is 85 years old. But no, there is still work to be done. He’s not just coming to church to praise and worship – he’s out doing – at 85. 85 and trusting God – He thinks he can conquer a city. I’m 47 and trusting God – what can I do?You maybe 20 and trusting God what can you do?
Remember though it isn’t what I can do or what you can do ButAs Caleb said –“The Lord helping me – I will……..”It again as in all of the Book of Joshua comes back to God doing it and God getting credit.
Yeh, what can we do.
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