Caleb: Introduction Born in Egypt as a slave Spent first 39 years of his life in Egypt (Josh. 14:7) Witnessed the goodness of God (as did all Israel) before reaching Kadesh-Barnea: Delivery from Egyptian bondage Crossing Red Sea Bread from heaven; water from rocks Events at Mt. Sinai; Nadab & Abihu’s disobedience Chosen as 1 of 12 men to “spy out” the land into which Israel was to go, settle & live – they were to view the land & give a report to the people

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. He knew that God: wanted the Israelites to leave Egypt. wanted them to travel to a land that He would show them. expected the people to trust in Him. expected the Israelites to conquer, in faith, the land to which He would lead them. Like Caleb, we need to learn the will of God for our lives and then set ourselves to fulfilling it.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. He had faith that God is good. No instructions that are not for man’s good – omni-benevolent He had faith in God’s knowledge & wisdom. God knows what is true & has wisdom to know best course. He had faith in God’s integrity. God does not lie; He will do what He says He will do. He had faith in God’s power. God has the power to do whatever He said He would do. He had faith in the authority of God. And he submitted himself to it. Like Caleb, we need an unwavering faith in God.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. He recognized that hardship, toil & sacrifice would be involved in doing what God had told them to do. He did not deny that: the cities of the land were walled—“fortified up to heaven” the men of the land were formidable—“greater & taller than we” the land was a “land that devours its inhabitants” Yet, Caleb never allowed himself to see God in the “shadow” of these difficulties/problems. Like Caleb, we need to recognize difficulties/ problems and put them in their proper place.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. The 10 saw God in the shadow of the problems they saw—but Caleb refused to see it that way. Caleb was not afraid to go where God told him to go—no matter how ominous it might “appear” to man to be. Caleb was not afraid to fight whomever God told him to fight—he was convinced God would give them the victory over any foe, no matter how strong & ferocious that foe might “appear” to man to be. Like Caleb, we need to see God “large & in charge.”

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. Caleb’s great faith gave him great optimism. The 10 gave a very pessimistic report of the strong people, fortified cities, etc. (13:25-29). This was in spite of bountiful nature of the land Flows with milk & honey; they had brought back its fruit Caleb cried out, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” Like Caleb, we need to see God as our driving force.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. Caleb’s great faith gave him great optimism. Caleb was not “swept away” by the pessimistic negative reports and the pleas to disobey God. “We are not able”…bad report…wept that night… complained…“Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Caleb tore his clothes and begged Israel to trust in God and not to fear the people of the land. Like Caleb, we need to stand up for God.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. Caleb’s great faith gave him great optimism. Caleb was not “swept away” by the pessimistic negative reports and the pleas to disobey God. Caleb’s faithful obedience saved him. God called Caleb “My servant” and brought him into the promised land “because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully” (14:24). Like Caleb, we need to be holy & obey God fully.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. Caleb’s great faith gave him great optimism. Caleb was not “swept away” by the pessimistic negative reports and the pleas to disobey God. Caleb’s faithful obedience saved him. Caleb trusted & served God his WHOLE life. Even at 85, he was not done. Like Caleb, we must not retire from serving God.

Caleb: Wholly Followed the Lord Caleb knew the will of God about this situation. Caleb had faith. Caleb clearly saw the difficulties. Caleb placed the difficulties in the “shadow” of God. Caleb’s great faith gave him great optimism. Caleb was not “swept away” by the pessimistic negative reports and the pleas to disobey God. Caleb’s faithful obedience saved him. Caleb trusted & served God his WHOLE life. Caleb is calling us follow the Lord fully: Let us … go up … at once … for we are well able …