Village Schools of the Bible

A Devotional Study of Joshua
by Max Frazier, Jr.

SECURING YOUR INHERITANCE
Joshua 14

Perhaps there is no greater man of courage in the Bible than Caleb. He was a man of integrity and a man who held fast to his convictions even though being in the minority. We are first introduced to this outstanding man in the book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14. Caleb was one of the twelve spies Moses had sent from Kadesh-barnea into the Promised Land to see what it was like. Upon their return, Caleb joined with Joshua in giving a minority report. Yet, he never wavered from his commitment to God even in the face of overwhelming odds. I imagine that there must have been great pressure upon both Joshua and Caleb to compromise and to join with the majority. They might have reasoned among themselves that so many people could not all be wrong.

But Caleb was not afraid to claim the promises of God in the face of opposition. In fact, there is an interest observation which comes from Numbers 13 and verse 30. We might have assumed that it had been Joshua who was the vocal one, taking the stand for God's will. But it was Caleb. Caleb was the more bold and courageous one. He was more willing to face difficult situations head on. Remember the number of occasions we have seen already in this book of Joshua where God has commanded his servant to not be afraid. Those words were never said to Caleb.

Now, being eighty-five years of age and have endured the hardships of the wilderness and those years of conquest, Caleb is ready for his inheritance. We might think that, at his age, he would desire a portion of the land already taken. But not Caleb. He was never a man who desired that which was easy. So Hebron, the land of the giants, was his choice. But wait a minute, there was also something else about this place called Hebron which attracted Caleb. This was the place where Abraham had pitched his tent. This was the place where God had spoken face to face with Abraham and had promised this very land to Abraham and his descendants. Hebron was the place of communion and intimate fellowship with God. And I believe this is what Caleb aspired to for those forty-five years of wandering and conquest.

The answer as to what motivated Caleb is found in verse 12: he was confident of the Lord's help. Caleb knew that he was incapable of defeating the giants in his own strength. But, he also knew that with God all things were possible.

How we need to learn the lessons of Caleb. We often try so hard to work through difficulties in our own strength. Yet, seldom do we succeed. Paul reminded us that our ability to do anything is dependent upon the strength we get from the Lord. Caleb knew that and so should we.

Father, I thank You for the example which we have in the person of Caleb. Lord, give us a courage and boldness like his. Give us a steadfastness to pursue that place of intimate fellowship and communion with You. Help us to take a stand for the right even when we are numbered among the minority. And, always help us to remember that our strength comes from You. For it is in Christ's name that we pray. Amen

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