Then the people of Judah came to 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 in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me. 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 him an honest report. But my companions who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholeheartedly followed the LORD my God.’ And now, as you see, the LORD has kept me alive, as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, while Israel was journeying through the wilderness; and here I am today, eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was on the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war, and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; it may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as the LORD said.” Then Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.
Joshua 14:6-13 (NRS)
Caleb was a biblical character who only made a cameo appearance but he is well worth our scrutiny. His most outstanding quality was his enduring faith. His faith qualified him to be Israel’s greatest optimist.
Finally, after 45 years of waiting, Caleb stepped up before Joshua and claimed his personal promise. He rehearsed the events surrounding his promise. He allowed all to see how God had sustained him and brought him to this place. Caleb was a man of faith. He intended to collect on the promise of God, given to him so long ago. Note, however, that he didn’t seek the easy way of fertile hills and sloping hills. He didn’t ask for the prettiest pasture. He didn’t claim the loveliest spot in Canaan. Instead, this great optimist said, “So now give me this hill country.” Perhaps the young men of Israel though Caleb had finally lost his mind. Caleb’s choice was filled fortified cities of the descendants of the very giants before whom the Israelites had trembled forty-five years earlier. But Caleb was confident that God, who had promised, was faithful to give him the victory over these giants. And he did exactly that!
The physical wars to conquer Canaan correspond with our own spiritual battles. Our conflicts, however, are not against “flesh and blood” opponents. Rather, we fight against giants of darkness, who rule with cosmic power and authority in the spiritual universe (Eph. 6:12). Our war is not to obliterate the populace. Rather, it is to bring deliverance and peace to those under the bondage of these giants. It is to obliterate darkness by shining the light of grace and hope around us. We need some 21st century Calebs, who aren’t afraid of the giants of our world. Consider what a difference it would make in your church if a conquering Caleb went forth bearing precious seed. I am confident that he or she would return with sheaves full of college professors, civic leaders, attorneys, business leaders, doctors, and other people from all levels of economic life.
Dear Father, thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for faith like Caleb had. Empower us to join the army of Calebs and look the giants around us squarely in the face without fear or doubt. Enable us to look through the eyes of faith and see them in their conquered state, believing that by your spirit we are well able to overcome them. Almighty God, we boldly ask that you give us this mountain. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his promised gift and claim the victory by faith,
Pastor Smith