Quiet Contemplation - Day 18

Joshua 14:7-8 (NIV)

I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.

            This is Caleb’s testimony. As we remember, because of rebellion and disobedience of the Israelites, only Caleb and Joshua were permitted to enter the promised land (with the exception of those who had been under 20 years of age at the exodus from Egypt). While the naysayers instilled panic and fear in the hearts of men, Caleb spoke “according to [his] convictions.” In other words, he told the truth, knowing that God was greater than any dangers, obstacles, or challenges they might face. He followed God wholeheartedly when others saw only roadblocks.

            Now, I’m fairly certain there is no need to elaborate on how this might apply in today’s world. I’m fairly certain you can see the immediate correlation between Caleb’s day and ours. {Speak the truth according to your convictions, do not succumb to negative peer pressure; and, follow God with all your heart!} Yet, friends, there is something even more remarkable about this event. Listen to the rest of Caleb’s testimony:

Joshua 14:10-11 (NIV)

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! 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.

            I think sometimes we forget that it wasn’t just the naysayers who had to roam the desert for forty years. Caleb, Joshua, and the young ones had to roam with them for forty years, too. Yet at age eighty-five, Caleb was ready to venture forth into whatever God had in store for him. He was still ready to follow God wholeheartedly, even into battle.

           

Gracious Heavenly Father,

             Thank you for the example Caleb set for us. He spoke the truth of his convictions without succumbing to fear instilled by naysayers. He followed you with all his heart. Even in his senior years, he was ready to serve you. May I be able to say the same.

            In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!