(864) 877-9813
March 6, 2006
Caleb
by Martha Cochran, Missionary to Japan
. . . he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel (Joshua 14:14b).
The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. The terrain for our race will not always be level, smooth, or without obstacles. There may be steep inclines, testing our endurance. There may also be frequent downhills, causing sore leg muscles. There may be strong winds, dust, or inclement weather.
In the Bible Caleb epitomizes the faithful marathon runner. He and Joshua were the only two spies who brought back a good report of the land of Canaan. ÒAnd Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, ÔLet us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.ÕÓ He gave a good report, he made a right choice, and he trusted in God. Imagine what his thoughts must have been when he realized that, in spite of his right choice, he would be spending the next 40 years wandering in the wilderness with all those people who had made the wrong choice!
Caleb did not attain to the leadership position that Joshua did, but Moses testified to his faithfulness in Deut. 1:26 by promising him land in Canaan Òbecause he hath wholly followed the Lord.Ó In Joshua 14 he is now 85 years old, a time when most people would be ready to put down their weapons, give up the fight, and take their ease. But Caleb says he is still as strong as when Moses sent him to spy out the land 45 years before. He has experienced the wilderness wanderings without bitterness and is now ready to take on the strong Anakim. He says, ÒNow, therefore, give me this mountain . . . if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord saidÓ (v. 12). Forty five years after he brought the good report from Canaan and showed his trust in the Lord, his words demonstrate his unwavering trust in his God.
A sprint involves a short term goal, a burst of energy, a pouring out of all oneÕs strength. A marathon, however, involves pacing oneÕs self, daily looking to the Lord for guidance and strength, moving toward a goal which may not be seen for a long time. The key is to Òwholly follow the Lord,Ó and He will bring us safely to that final goal.
. . . Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. . .Ó (Hebrews 12:1b—2a).
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