Joshua chapter 14 verses 7-9 (NIV)
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people sink. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’
This must have been a really special conversation between Caleb and Joshua. At this point they were the two elder statesmen of the people of Israel. They were the only eyewitnesses of the whole journey from the time of the exodus. The reason for this is highlighted by Caleb. He followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Not just as a young man, but even after the people rebelled, and even through all the people’s grumbling. Completely faithful in spite of all that. He and Joshua must have been so disappointed at the consequences of the people’s rebellion. After all, they’d been obedient to the Lord’s direction. Yet Caleb is able to stay focused and wait for what God has promised him. What a testimony! May we be as faithful in return, confident in the knowledge that God will always keep His promises to us.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that as Caleb was faithful to You, so too You were faithful to Him. May I too be wholehearted and faithful, however long I may have to wait to see the fulfillment of Your promises. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.