Ending Well

The descendants of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the Lord promised Moses, the man of God, at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was 40 years old when Moses the Lord's servant sent me from Kadesh-barnea to scout the land, and brought back an honest report. My brothers who went with me caused the people's heart to melt with fear, but I remained loyal to the Lord my God. On that day Moses promised me: "The land where you have set your foot will be an inheritance for you and your descendants forever, because you have remained loyal to the Lord your God."
As you can see the Lord has kept me alive these 45 years as He promised, since the Lord spoke this word to Moss while Israel was journeying in the wilderness. Here I am today 85 years old. I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. My strength for battle and for daily tasks is now as it was then. Now give me this hill country the Lord promised me on that day, because you heard then that the Anakim are there, as well as large fortified cities. Perhaps the Lord will be with me and I will drive them out as the Lord promised." Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as an inheritance. Joshua 14:6-13

Well, once again I am challenged. Caleb asks for the most difficult territory, the hill country where the Giants live in fortified cities. He does not ask for a cushy number by the Jordan on the plains, no, he asked for the hard places. He does not think his age is an impediment. He wants his promised land.

Caleb encourages me to press on for my promise. I see it before me and at times the heat haze shimmers in front of it, doubts come in and I am challenged in my faith. Oh to end well as Caleb did by taking my hill country and defeat the Giants! What a challenge! What a blessing! What a reward!

Caleb kept himself fit in heart and attitude as well as the art of war. He obviously was physically fit to be able to go to war. I honour this man and thank him for going before me. Amen! He draws me forward to my promise!

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