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September 20 “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God fully. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me, as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in." Joshua 14:7,8,11. Caleb was a remarkable man. Only he and Joshua, when they were sent to spy out the land, returned with positive statements. The remainder of the spies sent by Moses was filled with dismay. I am afraid that much of our problems in churches today result from this negative outlook about what God is capable of doing. We would do well to exercise the confidence and faith in the Lord that marked the life of Caleb. There is no such thing as retirement when the work of the Lord is considered. God can give strength to meet the needs of anyone who would become a servant, regardless of age or physical condition. I want to be like Caleb! When hearts melt with fear in those around me, I want to be following the Lord fully. Do we know what it means to follow fully? I think I am still learning. Caleb did that for forty years in the wilderness, all the while surrounded by grumbling half-hearted followers. Yes, Caleb is remarkable. I can only conclude that Caleb loved the Lord with a pure heart and with a complete trust. Father, raise up some ‘Calebs’. Our nation and our world need this kind of person. We are surrounded by naysayers and those who would try to limit the power of God—or even try to deny His existence. Instill in us the desire to be just like Jesus. Caleb must have caught a glimpse of this, and we can do the same through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You and Amen.
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