Be a Caleb

The Israelites were a very interesting group of people. Many times we think about the miracles God performed through them. We also tend to think about how many times they messed up. One time in particular can be found in Numbers 13-14. 

In this passage we see that Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land. They saw the land was flowing with milk and honey. But in the same breath, they said the people there were powerful, the cities were fortified, and there were descents of giants there. If you heard that report what would you be thinking? Would you want to put in the work, and maybe be injured or killed, to gain this land? 

Then this one man stands up, tells everyone to be quiet, and says "we can take this land." Caleb was one of two spies who said the land was theirs. He knew that God promised them this land. He knew that with God they could take the land. Would it take work on their part? Yeah, it would. Would it be worth it? Yes, because God works everything together for their good.

If you continue reading that passage you know that the Israelites say no, we cannot take the land. God threatens to kill them all but Moses intervened. Thus the Israelites were forced back into the the wilderness (though some did try to take the land without God on their side, which ends in disaster). 

What's the lesson for us here? We need to be Caleb. When God promises us something we need to believe it will happen. Not only do we need to believe, but we also need to be willing to put in the work. God promised the Israelites the Promised Land but that didn't mean they wouldn't have to work to earn it. They would have to fight and do many other things (like walk around Jericho) in order to claim what God promised. Be like Caleb. Be a person who believes in God's promises and is willing to put in the work.

So, are you like the 10 spies or like Caleb and Joshua in your life? How do you know you can believe God's promises? Where do we find God's promises (and do you have those promises memorized)?