Daily Devotional – Monday, September 26, 2022
Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day…
Joshua 14:12 (NKJV)
In Numbers 13, Moses sent out twelve people to spy the land of Canaan. The reported the brought back had both positive and negative aspects. While indeed Canaan was a land flowing with milk and honey, its cities were fortified. There were also giants (the sons of Anak) who made the spies look like grasshoppers.
We are Able to Overcome It
One of the spies, though, choose not to focus on the challenges. Caleb told the Israelites, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:30). Joshua, another spy, supported Caleb. (Read Numbers 14:7-9).
Because Caleb and Joshua were faithful to God, only they entered Canaan, out of the multitude that had left Egypt. Moreover, while Joshua took over from Moses to lead the people into Egypt, Caleb continued fighting the enemy on the frontline.
Give Me this Mountain
Finally, after 45 years, Caleb reminded Joshua of a promise Moses had made to Caleb, “Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.” (Joshua 14:9).
“Now therefore,” Caleb told Joshua, “give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” (Joshua 14:12). Joshua obliged.
How God Rewards Unflinching Faith
How befitting that Caleb received as inheritance the land of the giants who had made the other ten spies feel like grasshoppers! God rewarded Caleb for demonstrating unflinching faith. Notice that Caleb had to wait for 45 years to receive his reward. He never lost hope in God.
Like Caleb, we need to trust in the God who keeps promises for His faithful people, no matter how long they have to wait. By the way, do you remember the names of the ten spies who incited the Israelites to fear and riot? Well, no one remembers quitters. Be a like Caleb.
Prayer
Almighty Father, give me the faith of Caleb and Joshua because You never forget Your faithful servants.
