“A 45-Year-Old Promise”
“The Lord
has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord
spoke this word to Moses.” (v.10)
In Joshua
14 we read that Caleb did not allow his advancing age to prevent him from
believing that God would still honor His promise given 45 years earlier (Joshua
14:10-12). As one of the original scouts sent into the Promised Land, he saw
large cities inhabited by powerful people of great stature.
But Caleb
was faithful to God and believed He would help the Israelites conquer the land
(Joshua 14:6-9). At 85 years of age, Caleb was still physically strong and his
faith unwavering. He trusted that God would help him to conquer the land, even
though it still had giants. So Joshua blessed Caleb with his portion of the
land, fulfilling God’s 45-year-old promise.
Despite all
the land Caleb received, a finer reward was the compliment he received in verse
14: “He followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.” Caleb's example
is an inspirational reminder of purpose for believers of all ages. Retirement
was definitely not in Caleb's vocabulary. That isn't to say that retiring from
a vocation is unbiblical or undeserved. Rather, following God with courage and
confidence is a lifelong pursuit. No inheritance can ever take the place of
such a legacy.
The Truth
“My sheep
hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal
life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My
hand.” (John 10:27-28)
