Click to read Joshua 14
(The previous 9 chapters can be accessed through the links on the side bar. To access chapters before those listed, go to the All Chapters section.)
Synopsis
The division of the land continued. The most important portion of this chapter is the words of Caleb. He reiterated his faith in God and also claimed the land promised to him 40 years ago. Caleb was one of the two "adults" in their generation that did not see death during the journey in the wilderness.
Major verses
V5 - "So the Israelites divided the land just as the Lord had commanded Moses." This act itself is amazing. The land was divided exactly as God had instructed Moses years before. Joshua, the leader of the nation, did not change a word of that instruction. He simply followed God's command given to Moses. And he followed it to the dot!
What I learnt
In our lives, we often follow God's words only when it suits us. There are times when we even ignore them completely, especially when the "demands" seem harsh. We must learn to be like Joshua. We must follow God's instruction to the dot. And this is only for our own good.
V6-13 - Caleb was specially honored by the Lord (Num 14:24 & Deut 1:34-36). God said that he had a different spirit from the rest, one that was faithful to Him. As such, he was blessed with a special inheritance - being one of only two from his generation that would posses the Promised Land. Though the land allotted to him still had giants inhabiting them, Caleb was full of confidence that he can subdue and drive them out.
What I learnt
We must trust God all the way. Like Caleb, faith in God must transcend all circumstances before us, because God is faithful and honors those who honor Him. We honor Him by having faith in Him.
V11 - "I am as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I am as vigorous to go to battle now as I was then." Caleb's proclamation showed his unwavering faith in God. He saw strength not from the eyes of a human. Though he was about 85 years old then, he saw himself having the strength of a young man. He was not boasting about his own strength, but he was reaffirming the strength of the Lord in him.
What I learnt
85 years old and still growing strong! That's what we can and shall be as we trust God in our lives. Retirement has no place in our service to God. Let's not give the excuse of stopping our service to God just because we think that we are old. God can use any one, young and old, male or female, as long as we trust in Him.
Summary
Caleb and Joshua demonstrated their faith in God. They were aptly rewarded with the possession of the Promised Land while all in their generation did not. Their faith in God gave them the inheritance.
Up Next...
Chapter 15 describes the division of the land. Do not be surprised that even in that process, there is much for us to learn. Coming up on 5th March.
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