As we look into Caleb's faith, we will learn what it means to follow the Lord wholeheartedly.
Joshua 14:6-15
6 Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal,and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of Godat Kadesh Barneaabout you and me.7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barneato explore the land.And I brought him back a report according to my convictions,8 but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear.I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’ 10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.) Then the land had rest from war.
Numbers 14:24
24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.
We are called to build and live by the Most Holy Faith (Jude v. 17)
Reality of Living by Faith:
A Time to develop Radical Faith in the radically changing world
An example of Faith: Caleb
Numbers 14:24
24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.
Historical Background
Faith is defined as "following"
Caleb's Faith: 4 Characteristics
1) Commitment
"Wholly followed the Lord." (Vv. 9, 14)
2) Confidence
10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised,he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out;
3)Courage
12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
4) Conquest
14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arbaafter Arba,who was the greatest man among the Anakites.) Then the land had rest from war.