Caleb

Dear cell, God spoke to me clearly about this when I read about Caleb in the book [my birthday gift] and a daily bread entry http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-11-30-07.shtml


Caleb's name means "dog", probably a nickname. Dogs back then were not pets but ferocious wild animals. He was a Kenizzite, not an Israelite, meaning he was an outsider saved by the grace of God. The Kenizzites were a wild tribe of nomads who ranged throught the Sinai and southern Palestine.

He and Joshua spoke up while Moses and Aaron fell on their faces when the Israelites "rebelled" [Num 14:1-9]. The Israelites believed in the words of the 10 spies that they can't enter the Promised Land because the enemies are too strong. They doubted even when God has promised to give them the Promised Land. That's why God allowed spies to be sent [Num 13:2] because He knew the Israelites didn't have enough faith. And the worst scenario happened.

Caleb was 40 years old when he spied the land. He received the area he scouted as his reward 45 years later. At the age of 85, he conquered Hebron [Jos 15:14-15]. Hebron was the dwelling place of the giant Anakites.

Hebron wasn't the end of the story. He stirred up his nephew Othniel [Jos 15:16-17] who later became the first judge of Israel [Jdg 3:7-11]

The underlying theme is that Caleb "has a different spirit and follows God wholeheartedly" [Num 14:24, Jos 14:9]. He continued his challenge at the age of 85 years old which may seem daunting to a lot of people.

For his case age may seem daunting, what about ours? Are there any issues preventing our faith from rising? How do we go about them? I pray that Dad will speak clearly to each and every one of you reading this =) "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." [2Cor 13:14]

love,
kev