Joshua 14
ObservationThe Israelites had received their land inheritances. But Caleb already knows his inheritance so in v. 6, Caleb approaches Joshua and gives full account of it – given to him by the Lord through Moses because of his faithfulness and integrity shown when he was sent out to the land of Kadesh.UnderstandingAt eighty-five Caleb still feels just as young and strong as he did at forty; and I get the idea that this isn’t just a young at heart or young in his mind type thing…he truly IS just as strong and vigorous. (v. 11).I haven’t yet experienced what it feels like to be 45 or 85 years old. But I do know that at 34, I feel far different than I did at 24 or 14 years old…and I love the idea of feeling the way I do now 40 years from now, at seventy-four.
We are reminded that with God’s promises, we get far more than face value. Matthew Henry’s commentary states, “This was the fruit of the promise, and out-did what was said; for God not only gives what he promises, but he gives more: life by promise shall be life, and health, and strength, and all that which will make the promised life a blessing and comfort. Moses had said in his prayer (Ps. 90:10) that at eighty years old even their strength is labour and sorrow, and so it is most commonly. But Caleb was an exception to the rule; his strength at eighty-five was ease and joy: this he got by following the Lord fully. Caleb here takes notice of this to the glory of God, and as an excuse for his asking a portion which he must fetch out of the giants’ hands,” hence the reason he calls out that he is “just as vigorous to go out to battle” (v. 11).Two things are shown here.God ALWAYS delivers on His promises and He makes a way…even if the way or the circumstances don’t make sense to us. While it wouldn’t make sense that someone would maintain their youthfulness and vigorousness for forty years, God knew that Caleb would need that in order to take the land that was promised from the giants.
Dear God, I’m so grateful that with you it’s never a question of IF you will deliver. Thank you for being a steadfast, trustworthy source of provision. May I remember that even when things don’t quite add up in my human brain, that you’ve thought of everything and you can, will and do make way. Knowing that, may I live more fully for you and in a way that draws others to you so they too may experience you.Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.