Joshua Chp 14
Caleb earlier here showed his faithfulness and courage in following God and now that he has accompanied the Israelites to the promised land, he has once again demonstrated his faithfulness. Forty-five years after the Lord promised Caleb hill country in the promised land, Caleb remains faithful that God would keep his promise and provide this land as an inheritance to him and his descendants. Today his faithfulness is rewarded.
6 Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 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, 8 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. 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.'
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. 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."
This is persistence and faithfulness - forty five years worth!
My Prayer: Lord, I know you have great plans for me as I have seen how you have gifted and used me for your glory. Help me once again understand your direction for my life and help me follow your will for my life. Help me trust you and be both obedient and faithful.
