Everyone who was over twenty during the refusal to enter the promise land has died, except for Joshua and Caleb. There is also Caleb! Some of the lessons we will draw from his life are We should be patient and trust God to give us what we need when we are ready. When God calls us to partner with Him in adoption, its a risk. When God calls us to witness to a family member or neighbor it involves risk. But a prophet was born to free those slaves from the pharaohs of Egypt, whose name was Moses. During this time he had to suffer the same trying difficulties of wilderness existence with other Israelites. 40 years must have felt like a long time! If you had to write a title over Calebs life, what would it be? Joshua and Caleb believed with all their hearts that they should go up against the Canaanites because they believed that God would give them victory. Milenko van der Staal Check out the "Living the Gospel" podcast episode based on this article! 1. What a powerful reminder that God faithfully fulfills his promises, even though it might be years later. (James 4:17). Superbook whisks the kids back to meet Caleb, Joshua and the ten other spies sent out by Moses to explore the land of Canaan the Lord has promised the Israelites. Hebron demonstrates Gods blessing on those who, like Caleb, remain faithful to God in spite of setbacks, unpopularity, criticism, and rejection. In the spiritual warfare of life, the believers faith should not focus on his own ability to conquer the enemy, giants, or mountains of difficulty but in the spiritual provisions provided by the Lord. The fact is that all 12 spies had seen the same land but their reactions were entirely different. However, the people of Israel became so angry with Joshua and Caleb that they talked about stoning them. All agreed that Canaan was a good and fruitful land flowing with milk and honey; nevertheless, the people were strong and great, living in walled cities (Num. Friend, faith always involves a risk because you are putting your confidence in God who you cannot see. The message of Christ's love for each of us. Moses is dead, Joshua is now their leader, and Caleb is an 85 year old man. Christians are pilgrims on earth and must pass through the wilderness of this life. Joshua: A Lesson in Courage - Medium The Spirit of Caleb - More Than Conquerors Joshua and Caleb were the two brave spies (among ten fearful others) who tried to enter the Promised Land when God commanded them. Caleb had the courage of his convictions to stand against the ten spies who provided an evil report. Such attributes produced in Caleb the faith and confidence needed to take on the inhabitance of Hebron and win the victory. 13:30). What are some things we blame or make excuses about to avoid the giants and challenges in our lives? He said, 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). Here Joshua blesses Caleb with his long-awaited land inheritance in Canaan. It was as though all the lights went on in my head. God agreed. When you run into rough spots in your life and ministry, look back on how God has led you thus far in your Christian life, how He has provided for you and protected you. Calebs Character Maybe there were times in your life when you waivered, times of a double life, times when you found the world attractive. He boldly stepped forward to still the voice of the rebellious people and said, Let us go up at once, and take possession [Canaan], for we are well able to overcome it (Num. I remember years ago when I became convinced that God was calling me into fulltime pastoral ministry. The small taste that he had garnered of Canaan as a spy at Kadesh Barnea years before was enough to make him steadfast, never wavering in his vision of the future. Lets examine Calebs faith for lessons we can learn for our own spiritual lives. Caleb had spied out and was promised Hebron. He said, 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). They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die.. Courage: Joshua and Caleb Stand Up for God: Directed by John McGlothlin. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Moses chose leaders from each of the twelve tribes of Israel and instructed them to go and report back about the people, the soil, the crops, and other details. Ask another group to study Numbers 14:1-4 to find the Israelites' response to the 10 spies' report. Caleb faced the fight of his life with spiritual vision, physical vitality, and an attitude of valor. The 10 spies admitted that the land flowed with milk and honey. What are your next steps to develop strength and courage to face your giants today? 14:6, 9, 12; cf. He was witnessing to the nursing and medical staff in the hospital right up to the moment he went into a coma and died. Caleb was the son of Jephunneh (Num. There is no indication that his faith wavered as the years passed. We have been chosen by God, delivered from the slavery of sin through the blood of Christ, must live our pilgrimage on earth by faith, and have been promised an eternal inheritance. God had told the spies to go and explore the land He was giving to the Israelites. Article Images Copyright , 5 Lessons We Can Learn about Faith from Joshua and Caleb, 10 Secular Songs That You Can Pretend God Is Singing to You. Second, the Anakites were giants whose cities were large and well fortified. Discouragement is such a powerful tool in the hands of our enemy, Satan. In the apostle Pauls words, 13 Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by Gods heavenly call in Christ Jesus (Phil. Authentic. Caleb defeated the giants and drove out the three sons of Anak (Josh. Later still, God himself gives Hebron to king David as the capital of his kingdom (2 Samuel 2:1). He knew what it entailed. He never wavered in his belief that what the Lord promised, He would also provide the power to perform the task. Caleb and Joshua were the only two of that otherwise faithless generation who went on to enter the Promised Land. One more war to be won. James 4:17 (NIV)17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesnt do it, it is sin for them. Calebs Commitment He successfully conquered each obstacle in taking possession of the land promised to him. They were very positive about things. Ex. Jesus shares with Nicodemus about being born again. Joshua and Caleb, however, had a completely different perspective. Calebs ancestors either married into a family in Judah, or became a proselyte and associated with that tribe before Israel went to Egypt. He had an honest heart, great integrity, and never compromised his commitment unto Lord. They were ready to attack the country. These Joshua Bible Activities for kids are about Joshua, his faith, and God's strength that worked through Joshua. They maintained the greatness of the land, and argued that God, who is almighty, would protect and ensure the Israelites success because God was on their side. As we study Caleb, everything about him proved He was a man of faith. What a wonderful testimony Caleb gave before Joshua and the tribe of Judah. Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land. (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) We need to be people who finish strong in faith both to glorify the Lord and to be an encouragement and example to those who come behind us. Isnt it encouraging to see that the intervening years of wandering in the wilderness have not dimmed Calebs hope or diminished his anticipation of what God is going to do? Hoshea (Joshua), son of Nun, from the tribe of Ephraim. Both men came out of Egypt with the Israelites through the Red Sea and into the wilderness. 7Be strong and very courageous. Nothing has lessened his trust in Gods word. The names of the twelve spies were: [8] Shammua, son of Zaccur, from the tribe of Reuben. God blesses us spiritually, physically, and, sometimes, materially. 13:6) who had been chosen as a spy to represent the tribe of Judah. Who Were Joshua and Caleb? All the people we saw there are of great size. The entire assembly of Israel turned against them and wanted to stone them. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The people wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb for wanting to put their trust in Gods promise. . Six times Scripture states, Caleb wholly followed the Lord (Num. Like Caleb we can remain trusting the Lord even into our old age. In the meantime they had experienced successes and defeats, victories and failures. They had to risk their safety in order to do the thing God commanded. I think it would be: He wholly followed the Lord. However, when Moses became his mentor, Moses changed his name to Joshua (Yeshua) which means "the Lord is salvation." 1:36). Caleb kept his eyes upon God, His Word, and the promised reward, not the giants. They worked the crowd into a frenzy of distrust and unfaithfulness. What did the spies discover that negated the good news of bountiful food? From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.3So at the Lords command Moses sent them out from the Desert of Paran. While the book of Numbers shows that Israel lacked faith to enter the land of Canaan,. We can be strong and courageous since God promises to always be with us. Joshua and Caleb on the other hand saw things differently. Unlike his fellow countrymen, who would die in the wilderness, Caleb was promised an inheritance in Canaan. What was the significance of the food they brought back? Even though these occurrences happened a long time ago, they still apply to us today. Joshua and Caleb | Journey Christian Church And Caleb did it. 8 Surprising Things about You That Are Attractive to Your https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingministries, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. But in his sovereign purposes God always keeps his word, completing what He began. We all love it when someone keeps their promise to us, dont we? 2:5), thus putting him in Christs earthly lineage (Matt. In this case, Caleb remembers and reminds Joshua of a past commitment: On that day Moses swore to me, The land where you have set foot will be an inheritance for you and your descendants forever, because you have followed the Lord my God completely (14:9). Scripture stated that Caleb had a different spirit (Num. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Even worse, they want Chris to help them! The life of Joshua provides many opportunities to teach children about bravery, and faith in the Lord. God agreed. Ready to conquer a mountain. The 10 spies only saw the problems but Joshua and Caleb saw Gods promises. He was simply instructing Moses to send spies so that they could report back to Moses what the land was like. It's as if God reaches out and grabs Joshua (and us) by the lapels. 12 Spies, Joshua and Caleb Story For Kids Caleb was fit for the task, not only spiritually, but mentally and physically. 13:23). We call these obstacles "giants". Divide the class into thirds. If God is telling us to do something, we must obey, even if we cannot see the outcome, and even if the outcome looks dire. When the Israelites were ready to inherit the promised land, what did God command them to do? I related the details of that experience to someone one time, and she said to me, Dont ever forget that moment. 6 You know what the Lord promised Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. 14:12), he was not asking for an easy task. Out of the 12 spies that went to scope out the land of Canaan, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who spoke up and said God would provide a way for them to conquer the land. Now, he is receiving the inheritance that God through Moses had promised him so many years before without any indication of bitterness for having to wait so long, no evidence of rebellion or anger, no where-were-you-God-when-I-needed-you. No, just quiet acceptance and submission to the sovereign will of God. May we walk in obedience to Your will and enjoy the fruitful life You intended for us. Their mention was likely intentional, used to instill fear in Moses and others listening about the mighty people of Canaan. 13:2729). May we remember that faith involves risk, faith can be costly, faith looks to God, faith often requires waiting and yet, faith results in fruitful living. Characters). These were watershed places, turning points, where powerful experiences with God took place, where important decisions were made that would affect their futures. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Caleb portrays a picture of a patient, faithful, persevering Christian, who believes and acts on the certainty of Gods word. The situation seemed impossiblean experienced, fully equipped . It is Caleb who stood up for the Lord and His plan when he, Joshua, and the ten other tribal leaders returned from exploring Canaan; Joshua stood with Caleb. Or in this wilderness! February 18, 2010 by Felicia Mollohan This free Children's Church lesson plan was first written for elementary aged students. Why would he want to go back to a diet of leeks and onions and garlic in Egypt when ahead of them were grapes and pomegranates and figs hanging off the trees in Canaan, just waiting to be picked and eaten? 8If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. It was his relationship with the Lord. This was Gods provision for them. From David to Esther, from Abraham to Ruth and Naomi, from Moses to Rahab, their lives are lifted up as those who honored God, those who did the right thing when called upon to act. God had told Moses to send some men to explore Canaan, about which God said He was giving to the Israelites (Numbers 13:2). He knew that the battle at the end would be dangerous, after all the Anakim were there. David M. Levy is the media resource specialist and a Bible teacher for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. 5. In the early 1950s, five missionary men who felt God had called them to minister to a tribe in the Amazon, were killed by that same tribe. After blessing Caleb, Joshua gave him Hebron for his inheritance as Moses had promised (Josh. One person may bless another in their desire for Gods favor and protection to be upon them. Here I am today, eighty-five years old. Yet, they had a different response. The Kenizzites were originally from Edom, meaning they were outside the covenant promises made with Israel. I thank the Almighty and I thank you sir. He was not detoured by overwhelming circumstances, obstacles he would face in reaching his goal, opposition from tribal leaders, nor opinions of the masses. 34For forty yearsone year for each of the forty days you explored the landyou will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.35 I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. Joshua and Caleb Story From The Bible - Bible Knowledge 13:33 But as the Kotzker Rebbe noted, they were entitled to make the first claim but not the second. Confident that God is at work and that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. And Cries; It shall be done! Here are five lessons we can learn about faith from Joshua and Caleb: Faith trusts God and His promises, but it always involves risk. Though promised an inheritance, like Caleb, we must wait for years to possess it. But courageous faith can be costly as well. 14:24; 32:12; Deut. They also brought back pomegranates and figs. Caleb is one of few men that we read about in Scripture that manifested such a strong faith. The Call to Courage | Desiring God Joshua and Caleb on the other hand saw things differently. (Joshua 1:6). The Lord commanded Moses to send a representative from each of the twelve tribes to search out the land of Canaan before inhabiting it. After the death of Moses, Joshua made preparations to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the Promised Land. After spying on the land and giving a faith-filled report, it took another 40 years till God allowed Joshua and Caleb to enter the promised land. Courage: Joshua and Caleb Stand Up for God - IMDb Today, we must trust that when God speaks, we must listen and obey. Moses begged God not to, and God agreed, but He said that though He would forgive them, none of the people would be permitted to enter the Promised Land. The Friends of Israel website uses cookies to improve your web experience. Here is its fruit. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He had a strong and certain vision of what life would be like in the new land that God was giving them. Game Changers: Joshua And Caleb: Courage to Stand - Ronnie Scherffius Isnt that why Jesus instituted the Lords supper, a feast of memorial that reminds us of what He has done for us in the past, when He laid down his life at the cross so that we could live, and of what He is going to do for us in the future when He comes again? Besides the remaining people left, all younger than age twenty, no one else was permitted to enter because of their lack of faith. 13:30). Your email address will not be published. His first wife Azubah bore him three sons, his second wife Ephrath bore him one son, and numerous sons by his concubines (I Chron. He is called the son of Kenaz (Judg. (Ephesians 1:13-14, Phil 1:6, 1 John 1:9) There are many -what are some other promises? He is called the son of Kenaz (Judg. I knew that this was what God wanted me to do. Instead he kept his eyes on the Lord and mentally envisioned that someday he would enjoy the inheritance of Hebron where his feet had trod. He successfully conquered each obstacle in taking possession of the land promised to him. Joshua and Caleb - Word for the Bride Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming and Roger Youderian, were all murdered as they ventured to make contact with the Huaorani people. Still, we can learn much from this faithful leader in Israel. 14:1314). It must have been discouraging at the time to see the people turn against them and against Moses and against God, but God judged the rebellious majority by causing them to wander 38 more years in the wilderness until all the adult males (20 years old and up) died without entering the promised land except, of course, Caleb and Joshua. And, with the Lords help, I will drive them out as the Lord promised. Gods promise so many years before is still valid. Nonetheless, Caleb was still positive and enthusiastic about the future. I hope my attitude to life will be like that if I reach Calebs age. 14:24) than the other spies. 1:36; Joshua 14:89, 14). Such is the case with Joshua and Caleb, two men whose names first appear in the Old Testament Book of Numbers, and who were among the remnant of Israelites permitted to enter the Promised Land after their forty years in the wilderness. Caleb and Joshua were kindred spirits; only these two had faith in Gods promise and power to deliver the land to Israel. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. During the 40 years the Jewish people wandered in the wilderness, Joshua served as a faithful aide to Moses. Caleb faced the fight of his life with spiritual vision, physical vitality, and an attitude of valor. With great strength and courage, Joshua was confirmed and commissioned to be Israel's next leader. Positive about what God can do. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. People of Courage: Joshua and Caleb - Sun Grove Church They went so far as to say that 32 the land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size 33 To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them (13:32-33). Third, Caleb could have shrunk back in fear, knowing that he was unskilled in war, without proper weapons, and unprepared physically for such a venture, but none of these facts detoured Caleb in believing he could take the mountain. Fear, Faith, & False Repentance: Caleb's Courageous Faith . This isnt a case of physical strength, although undoubtedly Caleb had that. Joshua's brief bio up to Joshua 1: Joshua was one of the Israelites who fled from Egypt, he was a brave warrior who fought against the Amalekites in the wilderness (Ex 17:9-13), Joshua became Moses's assistant (Ex. The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. Their waiting was the result of the sin of the other 10 spies who did not believe the promise of God. He knew that it would be an uphill climb, tough sledding. He was not to fear, for God was with him, even as He had been with Moses. That is so awesome I just read about the spies the other day. So, the first lesson we learn here is that those who finish strong remember Gods faithfulness. This article is affirming for me as I strive to be like Caleb. . Another example is David facing Goliath. Through our fears, we see what we think the outcome will be instead of the the outcome God has planned for us. Douglas Wilson . Be strong and courageous. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Why? Accomplishments of Joshua in the Bible. Do not be afraid of them., 6. The Lord did not gloss over or ignore the reality of the situation. God told the Israelites that as a consequence for their grumbling they would wander in the desert for 40 years. So near but so far, a common phrase today,. As Caleb asked Joshua for this mountain, he still rested on the promises of God. God understands and cares about the discouragement we face in serving Him (2:1-3). Later Joshua, described by the Lord as a man possessing the spirit of leadership (Numbers 27:18), is selected as the one to lead the Israelites in the Promised Land when Moses, too, is barred from that reward. 13. When Caleb said to Joshua, Give me this mountain (Josh. Caleb in the Bible Followed God With His Whole Heart - Learn Religions 14:10)! fter 400 years of Egyptian captivity, Israel was miraculously delivered from bondage. Rather, they believed God's word, urging obedience to His commands. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb reported back and said that the land could be their new home. By contrast, Joshua and Caleb presented a positive report, boldly stating, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Dt. First, the area was located three thousand feet above sea level between Beersheba and Jerusalem. Sometimes we see the giant in front of us instead of God. 8. Photo credit: Getty Images/Finn Hafemann. This material could also be used as the Bible lesson for children's Sunday school. Were told Caleb, son of Jephunneh, was from the tribe of Judah, and Hoshea, son of Nun, was from the tribe of Ephraim; Moses renamed Hoshea Joshua (Numbers 13:16). 32But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. Joshua and Caleb, the only of their generation to enter the Promised Land. 13) that caused the people to cry out in despair to God and murmur against Moses and Aaron ( Num. 14 Therefore, Hebron still belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance today because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, completely (14:13-14). He awaited Gods time to act, even though it was in his old age. Bible Story: Numbers 10-11, 13-14:39; Deuteronomy 1:1-40; Joshua 14:1-9. 12:1-2). Do we have such enduring confidence in God to fulfill his word, even to confidently wait 45 years, still trusting God in our old age? That is exactly what God did. Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach and the recipient of the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award for her novel, The Memory Garden. Is that your strength and confidence as well? And for their faithfulness and obedience, God rewarded them. When the people of Israel were camping out in the wilderness, the Lord told Moses to send some men into the land of cannon to explore. 17:20). We might get rejected or shunned. Joshua stepped up and led God's people to conquer the promised land. Looking to the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. . 14:12), he was not asking for an easy task. The Lord commanded Moses to send a representative from each of the twelve tribes to search out the land of Canaan before inhabiting it. He wholeheartedly supported Joshua and loyally submitted to his leadership. The grapes were so luscious and big that it took two men to carry the branch back. Palti, son of Raphu, from the tribe of Benjamin. Joshua Bible Printables - Christian Preschool Printables He was fully trusting in the Lords promise. 6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes7and said to the entire Israelite assembly, The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. One more mountain to be taken. How did you or your children/grandchildren find the courage to leave the security of home and start kindergarten? It has been sung through the years by many a missionary following Gods call. The story of Joshua and Caleb is found in Numbers 13:1-33. Israel was looking at their circumstances purely in human terms. Caleb Chosen . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Why do you think Caleb and Joshua warned the Israelites not to rebel? Some of you are closer to Calebs age than I am. Their espionage trip took 40 days. Calebs Conquest No, Caleb never wavered in his outlook and his trust in God. Who is Joshua in the Bible? 18See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. Joshua leads the people to conquer it (Josh. This angered God because of their unbelief. Perhaps the Lord will be with me and I will drive them out as the Lord promised (14:12). 7 I was forty years old when Moses the Lords servant sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land, and I brought back an honest report. Ten of the spies believed that the Israelites should not attack the people of Cannon even though God had already promised them victory. Passionate. Joshua and Caleb: A spirit of faith - ActiveChristianity The decision Caleb made affected his posterity for years to come. More Examples. I too, want to have unwavering faith in God, no matter what the odds are. She has a weekly YouTube devotional, too. This should give you even MORE Hope, which is not, Oh, I hope my service dogs cancer doesnt spread, but, My Hope is in You, Lord. Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. But Caleb and Joshua tore their clothes, showing their anger and displeasure at the words and unfaithfulness of the crowd. One of the primary themes of the book of Joshua is "Be strong and of good courage" (Joshua 1:6-7,9,18). Joshua later would lead the "attack" around Jericho and watch Gods promise come to fruition. His spirit was quick to exhibit faith in God and always ready to obey and follow the Lord. 4. 5 Lessons from Joshua for When Our Faith is Tested All of them were leaders of the Israelites. It is filled with lessons that we can learn about faith and put into practice today. The fortified cities and giants, which he had seen before, still do not deter him. Joshua and Eleazer parceled out portions of the land of Canaan to each tribe by lot (Josh. For as Romans 8:28 states, We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.. Now God comes to Joshua personally to give him an exposition on courage. It is filled with lessons that we can learn about faith and put into. First, Calebs family became identified with the tribe of Judah; then he was born into slavery in Egypt, but delivered from bondage through the Passover blood atonement; wonderfully chosen to represent the tribe of Judah as a spy; given an inheritance in the land of Canaan; and finally is recorded in the lineage of Christ.
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