5 Lessons from Joshua for When Our Faith is Tested When they came back, 10 of the spies brought a negative report but Joshua and Caleb brought a positive report. Oh, you may not have the physical strength that Caleb did but you can have his positive and confident attitude. While the book of Numbers shows that Israel lacked faith to enter the land of Canaan,. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What a blessing to have such a positive outlook, even after all that he and the Israelites had been through. As Joshua prepared to lead the people into the land, he must have known that he would still find walled cities and giants. 8. Lord God, may we rise up in this moment in history with the faith and courage of Joshua and Caleb. The spies returned with a mixed report. The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. It could cost that missionary their life. (Numbers 14:1-4) What giants are we afraid of today? Caleb was patient he stuck it out, for years! Full Episode - Joshua and Caleb - Watch Online - Superbook 4. Learn more about her fiction and read her faith blog at jessicabrodie.com. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 2:18, 19; 46, 48). Or in this wilderness! Joshua leads the people to conquer it (Josh. He was witnessing to the nursing and medical staff in the hospital right up to the moment he went into a coma and died. In the spiritual warfare of life, the believers faith should not focus on his own ability to conquer the enemy, giants, or mountains of difficulty but in the spiritual provisions provided by the Lord. In Blogs by David M. LevyOctober 18, 20195 Comments. Caleb had spied out and was promised Hebron. 14:6, 9, 12; cf. Out of the 12 spies that went to scope out the land of Canaan, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who spoke up and said God would provide a way for them to conquer the land. Shes also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. 14:1-4 ). They were so opposed to Joshua and Caleb that they were ready to stone them to death (Num. We think of him as the side-kick of Joshua and unintentionally diminish his individual contribution of faith. All of them were leaders of the Israelites. But this is a case of spiritual strength, the spiritual strength to take one more mountain. His positive outlook on life and his trust in the Lord remain steadfast. After 400 years of Egyptian captivity, Israel was miraculously delivered from bondage. Numbers 14:6-9 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The . They even brought back a sample of the lands lush produce its grapes and pomegranates and figs (Num. Such memories tend to put the present into perspective, reminding us of Gods constancy, faithfulness, goodness and power. He kept his eye on the promises of God, not the problems he would face in taking the mountain. 2:18, 19; 46, 48). God had told Moses to send some men to explore Canaan, about which God said He was "giving to the Israelites" ( Numbers 13:2 ). Let this be a reminder to us that God does not necessarily act immediately, nor as quickly as, or in the way that, we would like. As Jesus said, we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). When she is offered prescription pills at school, Vee must show COURAGE in the face of peer pressure before the consequences become as messy as a game of mystery mush. The other spies focused on the challenges rather than Gods character. 13:6) who had been chosen as a spy to represent the tribe of Judah. We first meet Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13, where they were gathered with Moses and the other Israelites in the Desert of Paran, not far from Canaan. Why was Caleb so positive, so optimistic about the future? God makes Joshua the leader and calls him to lead Israel into the promised land. But a prophet was born to free those slaves from the pharaohs of Egypt, whose name was Moses. He was simply instructing Moses to send spies so that they could report back to Moses what the land was like. The leadership of Judah must have seen in Caleb the qualities of leadership, courage, confidence, conviction, and, above all, faith to have chosen him out of all Judah to represent their tribe as one of the spies. Often elderly Christians seek to cut back on responsibilities, minimize the difficulties in their life, seek a trouble-free existence, and often become fearful and unsure of their future. Be strong and courageous. Friend, faith always involves a risk because you are putting your confidence in God who you cannot see. The small taste that he had garnered of Canaan as a spy at Kadesh Barnea years before was enough to make him steadfast, never wavering in his vision of the future. People of Courage: Joshua and Caleb - Sun Grove Church He is determined to finish strong. Because of this, God let only Caleb and Joshua (of all the adult Israelites) enter the Promised Land when the time came. 2:5), thus putting him in Christs earthly lineage (Matt. He was not detoured by overwhelming circumstances, obstacles he would face in reaching his goal, opposition from tribal leaders, nor opinions of the masses. Joshua and Caleb on the other hand saw things differently. 14:6, 9, 12; cf. Joshua and Caleb, however, had a completely different perspective. He didnt hanker for the good old days in Egypt. Looking to the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. When Vincent Foster, adviser to President Clinton, committed suicide in 1993, Clinton said, It would be wrong to define a life like Vincent Fosters in terms only of how it ended. Nonetheless, thats how Foster will be rememberedby how he finished the race. I know you will heal him and make a way for both of us, one way or another. I trust in You, and know You will take care for Your creatures. I related the details of that experience to someone one time, and she said to me, Dont ever forget that moment. 19What kind of land do they live in? Second, the Anakites were giants whose cities were large and well fortified. We can be strong and courageous since God promises to always be with us. I think it would be: He wholly followed the Lord. Caleb kept his eyes upon God, His Word, and the promised reward, not the giants. Why? He finished strong in faith. Their espionage trip took 40 days. In all the time that Joshua, Caleb, and the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, their next realm, their next age, was just a short distance away from them. God also encouragesJoshua andthe people to be strong and courageous. After showing Moses and Aaron the fruit they went on to report that the people living there were very powerful and their cities were very fortified. The other men said the land was magnificent, flowing with milk and honey, But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. He did not see the obstacles but the opportunities that the Lord put before him. And the fruit that God has promised are the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 8. Caleb: Finishing Strong (Josh. 14:6-15) | Bible.org He successfully conquered each obstacle in taking possession of the land promised to him. Perhaps the Lord will be with me and I will drive them out as the Lord promised (14:12). The story of Joshua and Caleb teaches us to have the courage to trust the Lord when things look impossible (Numbers 13-14) God told Moses to send 12 spies into the Promised Land to get information about what was there so the Israelites would know what God was going to give to them. He is a claimer who conquers, a man of courage, not a constant complainer like others in Israel. Another example is David facing Goliath. People of Courage: Joshua and Caleb Icebreaker: How did you or your children/grandchildren find the courage to leave the security of home and start kindergarten? However, the Children of Israel did not believe them. I hope your outlook is like that. His name at birth was Hoshea. But Caleb and Joshua tore their clothes, showing their anger and displeasure at the words and unfaithfulness of the crowd. They said, We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 1:6). Third, Caleb could have shrunk back in fear, knowing that he was unskilled in war, without proper weapons, and unprepared physically for such a venture, but none of these facts detoured Caleb in believing he could take the mountain. Courage: Personal Bravery: Joshua and Caleb, in Advising That Israel Go at Once and Possess the Land. Who Were Joshua and Caleb? 14:1011). The names of the twelve spies were: [8] Shammua, son of Zaccur, from the tribe of Reuben. Joshua and Caleb: A spirit of faith - ActiveChristianity I too, want to have unwavering faith in God, no matter what the odds are. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.3So at the Lords command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. Cleaving to the Lord with steadfastness of heart. Passionate. How influential our lives can be on others when they see consistency, faithfulness, kindness, hope, love, and joy oozing out of our lives. Ironic, isnt it, that Kiriath-arba that formerly belonged to Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim (14:15b), became Calebs? Scripture stated that Caleb had a different spirit (Num. 15:14). He is still sure of Gods will. What Made Joshua and Caleb Different? - The Rabbi Sacks Legacy May that be our strength and confidence as well. Are there trees in it or not? There was an old song sung many years ago written by Charles Wesley. It is filled with lessons that we can learn about faith and put into practice today. Joshua and Eleazer parceled out portions of the land of Canaan to each tribe by lot (Josh. You rejoice in the Lord always. The important thing is to be strong in spirit, strong enough to say to God, Give me this mountain (People of the O.T., 267). But not so Caleb. There is also Caleb! Joshua and Caleb on the other hand saw things differently. Remember Calebs secret: Caleb wholly followed the Lord!. Summary of Joshua 14:10-19:The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for wanting to put their trust in Gods promise. We need constant reminders of Gods faithfulness in the past they enable us to deal with present circumstances and anticipate future blessings. Joshua and Caleb faithfully spied out the land of Canaan, but little is known about Caleb. The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for wanting to put their trust in Gods promise. Download Guide. However, when Moses became his mentor, Moses changed his name to Joshua (Yeshua) which means "the Lord is salvation." Douglas Wilson . 14:24; 32:12; Deut. Courage: Personal Bravery: Nehemiah, in Refusing to Take Refuge in the Temple. Calebs ancestors either married into a family in Judah, or became a proselyte and associated with that tribe before Israel went to Egypt. The adoption could fail or the child weve adopted might not bond with us. Chris is in a bad spot! He had brought back to the Israelites at Kadesh-barnea an honest report, whereas the other 10 spies had brought back a report that caused the people to become discouraged, to distrust the Lord, and to retreat in fear. Joshua was to be strong and of good courage. They were of one mind to go up now and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it! (Num. David M. Levy is the media resource specialist and a Bible teacher for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Instead, they urged them to trust that the Lord would protect them and provide (Numbers 14:6-9). They had to risk their safety in order to do the thing God commanded. Her newest Bible study, Our Father, comes Caleb remembers well the promise that God had made to Moses concerning Joshua and himself (14:6), a promise which Moses in turn made to Caleb and Joshua (cf. Remember, we can finish strong in faith if we wholly follow the Lord. Moses begged God not to, and God agreed, but He said that though He would forgive them, none of the people would be permitted to enter the Promised Land. Wouldnt it be better for us to go back to Egypt?4And they said to each other, We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.. They went so far as to say that 32 the land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size 33 To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them (13:32-33). The story of Joshua and Caleb has many lessons for you and I and how we live out a life of faith. They said, "We were like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and so we were in their eyes." Num. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go., 9. (Joshua 1:6). Fully convinced that the gospel is as powerful today as it ever was. The place that the 10 spies rejected because of doubt, became Calebs by faith and its name was changed from Kiriath-arba to Hebron, the place where the Israelites would move forward unitedly to possess the land. There are many forms of blessing in Scripture. 33Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. Caleb portrays a picture of a patient, faithful, persevering Christian, who believes and acts on the certainty of Gods word. A life that is strong in faith asks for an unflinching request, sees an undeterred vision, and manifests An unwavering attitude. 13:30). It must have been discouraging at the time to see the people turn against them and against Moses and against God, but God judged the rebellious majority by causing them to wander 38 more years in the wilderness until all the adult males (20 years old and up) died without entering the promised land except, of course, Caleb and Joshua. 8 There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing (2 Tim. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. The courage displayed by Caleb and Joshua was not presumptuous bravado, urging some foolhardy mission. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in (Josh. An undaunted request. However, trusting God and obeying involved risk on the part of the spies entering the land. I thank the Almighty and I thank you sir. Though promised an inheritance, like Caleb, we must wait for years to possess it. Topical Bible: Courage: Personal Bravery: Joshua and Caleb, in Advising 1. Facebook Pinterest Word Search for Joshua, the New Leader Caleb defeated the giants and drove out the three sons of Anak (Josh. What Gilgal was to Joshua, Bethel was to Abraham and Jacob, and Carmel and Shiloh were to Samuel and Elijah. Find Us Faithful lyrics Birdwing Music, Jonathan Mark Music). Joshua and Caleb believed with all their hearts that they should go up against the Canaanites because they believed that God would give them victory. Never once did Caleb question, murmur, or doubt God during the forty years he waited for his reward. 15:15-16 The spies were guilty of an attribution error, assuming that others felt as they did. Courage: Personal Bravery: Joseph of Arimathaea, in Caring for the Body of Jesus. The lesson for us is that when challenges are great we need to shift our focus off our problems and fix it firmly on the Lord. What did Caleb and Joshua report? 32But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the Lords servant sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land, and I brought back an honest report. Caleb and Joshua did this, and their reward is a powerful example for us today. Caleb patiently waited for the Lords timing to claim his inheritance. Encouraging the next generation to take over where we leave off. The 10 spies admitted that the land flowed with milk and honey. Firstly, we learn here that those who finish strong remember Gods faithfulness. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. As Moses prepared to die, God commissioned Joshua as leader of the people, urging him to be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you (Deuteronomy 31:23). The Lord commanded Moses to send a representative from each of the twelve tribes to search out the land of Canaan before inhabiting it. I think it is one of his most potent weapons against the people of God now, just as it was among the Israelites back then. Joshua was an Israelite, born while the nation was held captive in Egypt. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. God blesses us spiritually, physically, and, sometimes, materially. Is that your strength and confidence as well? We even saw descendants of Anak there (Numbers 13:28). He couldnt wait to begin their new life as pioneers in the land that flows with milk and honey. Still, we can learn much from this faithful leader in Israel. When God calls us to witness to a family member or neighbor it involves risk. Caleb Chosen Second, Caleb continues: Now give me this hill country (mountain) the Lord promised me on that day, because you heard then that the Anakim are there, as well as large fortified cities. This has inspired a renewed vigor in me: I know that as I remain connected to my God by being faithful to Him in all things, I am maintaining the safety net that I will succeed if I wholeheartedly am pursuing Gods plans for me on this earth. We call these obstacles "giants". 3Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? What is the story of Joshua and Caleb in the Bible? He was not to fear, for God was with him, even as He had been with Moses. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. More Examples. Undoubtedly, Calebs experience of God since that time has reinforced his trust in Gods word back then. 25Since the Amalekites and the Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea. May we remember that faith involves risk, faith can be costly, faith looks to God, faith often requires waiting and yet, faith results in fruitful living. Dr. Marcia Reynolds tells us that the fear of the unknown drives us. What kind of life was that compared with what God had in store for them? They were not intimidated by the majority who sided with the 10 spies ( Numbers 13 ). Related Topics: Character Study, Christian Life, Since 2001, Roger has been the President of the Institute for Biblical Preaching (IBP), Cambridge, ON, whose mission is to strengthen the church in biblical preaching and leadership. He is called the son of Kenaz (Judg. Joshua and Caleb were the two brave spies (among ten fearful others) who tried to enter the Promised Land when God commanded them. 14:12), he was not asking for an easy task. The spies lacked faith to believe God would deliver the land into their hands. It seems that Gilgal, on the eastern border of Jericho, was the operational center for Israel after crossing the river Jordan. There is a leadership lesson here. When Caleb said to Joshua, Give me this mountain (Josh. Later Joshua, described by the Lord as a man possessing the spirit of leadership (Numbers 27:18), is selected as the one to lead the Israelites in the Promised Land when Moses, too, is barred from that reward. Courage Like Caleb | Immanuel Bible Church The overall lesson we learn from this passage is that we can finish strong in faith if we wholly follow the Lord. Caleb drives out the Anakim giants from it (Josh 14:12). Positive about what God can do. His spirit was quick to exhibit faith in God and always ready to obey and follow the Lord. This was a special place in Israels history, a place to give God thanks and a place to remember Gods intervention and power if they got discouraged, as they fought for possession of the land in the days to come. 14:24, 30; Deut. Christians are pilgrims on earth and must pass through the wilderness of this life. . God said, In this wilderness your bodies will fall every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. Print Moses talking to God after Israelites have rejected the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb are spared. Joshua and Caleb, the only of their generation to enter the Promised Land. Lesson 2: God's Encouragement for Discouraged Servants (Haggai 2:1-9) After blessing Caleb, Joshua gave him Hebron for his inheritance as Moses had promised (Josh. And for their faithfulness and obedience, God rewarded them. It is not for the faint-hearted. The place of battle with the Anakim became one of the 6 cities of refuge in Israel and after this, the land had rest from war (14:15). Some forty-five years earlier he had said, Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it (Num. Courage: Joshua and Caleb Stand Up for God - IMDb He said, 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). Thirdly. God literally parts the Red Sea to complete the deliverance mission. This was Gods provision for them. 28But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. He did not go along with the herd mentality but thought for himself and stood independently from those who showed no faith in the promises of God. Authentic. The Call to Courage | Desiring God They were kindred spirits. Faith, mighty faith, the promise seesAnd looks to God Alone;Laughs at impossibilitiesAnd Cries: It shall be done! Disciples pray for Samaritans. God let the people live for a time in the wilderness before they eventually died, but He killed the ten faithless explorers with a plague. 10 Things You Should Know about Jonathan Edwards. How Did John Newton Discover God's Amazing Grace? 6) but they had suffered defeat at Ai (Josh. The Twelve Spies - Wikipedia How can we see Gods grace manifested to and through Caleb? February 18, 2010 by Felicia Mollohan This free Children's Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students.
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