Deuteronomy Chapter 1: Verses 32-36 (NLT Translation)
“But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord your God, who goes before you looking for the best places to camp, guiding you with a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. “When the Lord heard your complaining, he became very angry. So he solemnly swore, ‘Not one of you from this wicked generation will live to see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see this land because he has followed the Lord completely. I will give to him and his descendants some of the very land he explored during his scouting mission.’”
Even after the Lord did for Israel, providing them with the best places to camp, and guiding them, and offering complete protection, they still refused to completely trust Him, except for Caleb and Joshua. So all of those aged 20 and over did not get the chance to go into the land God had promised. That passed on to their children.
The book of Deuteronomy is a summary of all that God had done for Israel. It must have explained a lot to the younger generation. God made it clear to them why only two elder statesmen were inheriting the land with them. God made it clear that Caleb had followed His ways wholeheartedly. What an example that set for the younger generation! I wonder what kind of example we set for others as Christians. Caleb and Joshua’s example must have inspired those younger people. By following God’s example wholeheartedly and following his instructions completely, we could not set a better example!
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow You wholeheartedly, just like Caleb, so that I can set an example for others on how to follow and trust You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.