Lord of Israel – 5

Lord of Israel – 5

Joshua 14:14 “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”

          In the above passage we see Caleb followed the Lord of Israel with all his heart. He led a righteous life in the presence of the Lord. Despite facing various challenges and troubles, Caleb lived a righteous life. As a part of today’s meditation let us meditate on how the Lord God guided Caleb in his life.

Preparation

Joshua 14:7 “Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.”

            Caleb as a person goes through many difficult situations in his life. He experiences afflictions through bondage in Egypt from a very young age. Despite of all that, Caleb followed the Lord God whole heartedly. When Caleb stood firm on his righteousness, the Lord of Israel exalts him. The Lord prepares Caleb to fulfill his plans. We read in Joshua 14:13-14 ‘And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.’ The Lord not only prepares Caleb but also blessed him. The Lord acknowledges his faith and rewards him.

            In Joshua 15:13 ‘And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.’ As recorded in this verse, the Lord did not forget all his efforts and expectations. The Lord rewards Caleb as he followed the Lord with all his heart. We see Caleb’s father was a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:14) and his mother belongs to the tribe of Judah (Matthew 1:3). According to biblical scholars and researchers they confirm Caleb belongs to the lineage of Jesus. The same Caleb who was once broken is exalted and honored by the hands of the Lord. Caleb was born as a slave and becomes a hero. Even in our lives, when we submit ourselves for the divine preparation of the Lord, we will be blessed.

Promise

Deuteronomy 1:21 “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.”

            In the above passage, we see the Lord of Israel gives a promise. The Lord prepares Caleb to a state where he can inherit the promise. We see both Caleb and Joshua firmly believed in the words of Moses. They knew that they will inherit their promised land.

In Deuteronomy 1:22 ‘And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe:’ Here in this verse, Moses listens to the people and takes decisions by himself. They attempt to inspect the promise land given by the Lord God. Despite of the cautions given by the Lord God, they chose to spy around the place. Even in our lives, we need to stick on to the promise that the Lord has given to us. As recorded in II Corinthians 5:7 ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight’ We the children of God must walk by faith to have our promises fulfilled.

Inheritance

Joshua 14:12 “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.”

            We see Caleb had a spiritual vision where he wanted a hill side country. He even claims this blessing with full of faith. Caleb knew that his desired place is full of oppositions yet he wanted to inherit the land. He knew about the Anakites who lived there and that did not bother him. He was willing to take a huge risk knowing all the consequences. Caleb had a strong faith that the Lord of Israel will go before him and will make everything fall into the right place.  As recorded in Romans 4:20-21 ‘He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.’ The Lord of Israel rewards Caleb’s faith and submission. The Lord of Israel blessed Caleb to inherit the Promised Land. Even in our lives, let us surrender ourselves in the presence of the Lord to receive all the divine guidance and blessings from the Lord of Israel. Amen.