THE STIRRING EXAMPLE OF CALEB

Text: Joshua 14
12 July 2010

THE STIRRING EXAMPLE OF CALEB

1. A moving memory

a) Remembering the word God gave to Moses Joshua 14:6

b) Remembering that fateful day in Kadesh Barne Joshua 14:7-8

i) The ten spies who reneged

ii) The two spies (Joshua and Caleb) who wholly followed the Lord

c) Remembering Moses’ promise Joshua 14:9

2. A memorable testimony of the journey in the wilderness

a) Kept alive by the Lord Joshua 14:10a

b) Marvelously preserved for 45 years in the wilderness Joshua 14:10b

c) Claim of great strength at the age of 85 Joshua 14:10c

“As yet I am as strong this day as on that day Moses sent me:
Just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war,
Both for going out and for coming in.” Joshua 14:11

3. A mighty request

“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day;
For you heard in the 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

a) An unusual request

i) It will not be disputed by anyone else

ii) It was a request that one would expect to come from the lips of Caleb

b) A request that reflects the following:-

i) Faith in the Lord

ii) Courage

iii) Humility

iv) Dependence on the Lord

THE GRANTING OF CALEB’S REQUEST

1. With the full blessing of Joshua Joshua 14:13a

2. Hebron was given to Caleb Joshua 14:13b

3. Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb

4. High Praise for Caleb
“He wholly followed the LORD God of Israel” Joshua 14:14

SIGNIFICANT LESSONS

1. An Example worth emulating

2. An Exceptional servant of God

3. An Exciting Lifestyle