CALEB: LIVING WITH THE WAIT

1. CALEB: LIVING WITH THE WAIT Lesson 2 for the 9th of October, 2010

2. The people of Israel arrived in Cades –next to Canaan– after more than a year since they left Egypt. Moses sent 12 spies from Cades to explore Canaan. They returned with some of the fruits of the Promised Land and prepared to give their report before the crowd.

4. Caleb encouraged the people to trust God. He spoke bravely and encouraged them to go into action. “It was Caleb’s faith in God that gave him courage, that kept him from the fear of man, and enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in the defense of the right. Through reliance on the same power, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross may receive strength and courage to overcome the obstacles that seem insurmountable” E.G.W. (Review and Herald, May 30 1912)

5. Although the people ignored Caleb, he didn’t neglect his duty nor reproached them. “Caleb was faithful and steadfast. He was not boastful, he made no parade of his merits and good deeds; but his influence was always on the side of right. And what was his reward? When the Lord denounced judgments against the men who refused to hearken to His voice, He said: “But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” While the cowards and murmurers perished in the wilderness, faithful Caleb had a home in the promised Canaan. “Them that honor Me I will honor,” saith the Lord.” E.G.W. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, chap. 32)

6. Caleb waited patiently for 40 years until the promises of God were fulfilled. When the land was divided, Caleb was the representative of the tribe of Judah.

7. CLAIMINGGOD’SPROMISES God promised Caleb the land which he and the other spies explored 40 years ago (Numbers, 14: 24) Caleb went to Joshua to claim that promise (Joshua, 14: 6-15) He didn’t choose the lands which were easier to conquer, but those where the giants –who terrified the people– lived. If an elderly man like him (85 years) could conquer the giant’s fortified land, it would be an example to others, so they could win easier conquers.

8. Caleb wanted the new generation to have its own faith experience with God. He encouraged them to show their faith in God’s promises and conquer Kirjathsepher. It was one of the best fortified and defended cities that weren’t still conquered. The reward for the victor one was his daughter’s hand. “Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage” (Joshua, 15: 17) Othniel became the first judge in Israel

9. “Experienced Workers as Counselors Tried and aged servants of God are most precious in His sight, and they are not to be cast off or made to feel that they are no longer of use in His cause. They should not be expected to engage in active labor and carry the heavy burdens which they once bore; younger men should put their shoulder to the wheel and work disinterestedly, carrying the work strongly and zealously forward; but, though called to bear responsibilities, they should, with true humility of mind, know how to value and use the wisdom and counsel of these more experienced ones…

10. …If they have that connection with God that they should have, they will prize above gold and silver the advice and instruction of these worn and tried servants of the Lord. Those who for years have labored as the chosen of God, who have ever shown that their hearts were in the work, deserve our fullest confidence. The Lord will certainly use these old standard-bearers, who have served Him with heart and pen, and voice and means, if they will continue to cling fast to Him. He is, and ever will be, with the veterans who have held fast to the truth in times of peril. When the foundation of the faith of younger men seems to be giving way, and their house falling, the testimony of these older warriors , like Caleb, will be heard, “Let us go up at once, and possess it [the land]; for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30. When the voice of unbelief is heard, their faith will turn the tide to a glorious victory” E.G.W. (Pacific Union Recorder, March 27 1902)

11. Caleb trusted God’s promises, and he also was a generous man; he gave more than he was asked to give. “When she came to him, that she urged him to askher father for a field. And she dismounted from herdonkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you wish?“So she said to him, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water." And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (Judges, 1: 14-15)

12. E.G.W. (The Youth’s Instructor, September 6 1894) “God blessed Caleb and Joshua. While cowardly Israel were turned back into the wilderness to fall into graves in the desert, Caleb and Joshua were spared to enter into the goodly land; for they had correctly and nobly reported for God. Our power is not in our talents of education or means, neither is it in our popularity; it is in self-sacrifice, our willing obedience to Jesus Christ. Those who truly surrender all to him, will carry a weight of influence, and will carry others along with them, because they walk in the light. Brain power will be inefficient, purse power of little account with God; but heart power, thorough godliness, humble fidelity, will bear a weight of influence that will be irresistible”