Caleb

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Joshua 13:1-14:15

"Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified.  It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said."  Joshua 14:12 (NKJV)

Caleb was an incredible individual.  We speak often of Joshua because he was the top leader, and a book of the Bible is named after him.  But Caleb was just as strong an individual.  He and Joshua were the lone voices that had spoken FAITH when Israel was at the crossroads of Kadesh Barnea. 

Now 40 years later, Caleb is still speaking FAITH.  At the age of 85, he is still taking ground.  At the age of 85, he still has a right heart toward God.  At the age of 85, he is still claiming the promises and ready to "take his mountain."  Here are a few reasons I believe Caleb remained strong:

1.  He knew how to live off of ENCOURAGEMENT.  Imagine what he and Joshua said to each other for 40 years!  They knew that Israel had failed the test even thought they themselves had passed it.  Yet they had to walk through 40 years of judgment.  I think they emailed each other every day speaking faith and encouragement.  "Remember what God said."  "Only 35 more years now."  "Hey, I know today was rough, but better days are coming."  THEY KNEW WHAT GOD WANTED TO DO.

2.  He kept himself STRONG.  When it finally came time to take the mountain, he was ready.  He could easily have let himself go, failed to prepare, gotten out of shape, and been physically unable to complete his journey.  Caleb kept himself ready.  This involved daily disciplines of mental, physical, and spiritual preparation.  The Bible says that he kept his heart right.  I believe he kept his mind and body right, too.

3.  He knew his PLACE.  Caleb is rarely spoken of in the story of the children of Israel.  Joshua gets all the ink.  Joshua is front and center while Caleb works behind the scenes.  There is never a hint of insecurity or jealousy in Caleb.  He knew how to fulfill his task. 

Caleb is a hero.  May we all remain faithful to what God has spoken to us.  Even though it may take longer than we thought, yet the day will come that each of us too can "take our mountain."