In these passages, Caleb gives an account to Joshua of his faithfulness. He recalls how, 45 years earlier, he and Joshua gave their report about the Promised Land and stood alone against the other 10 spies and a cowardly mob. They said beware of the giants, but Caleb stood true to his conviction in the power of God. He urged the people to trust God for victory. The faith of Caleb and Joshua was unshaken, and God set them apart to inherit the new land. If the story ended there, Caleb would be a towering example of faith. But, his story keeps growing and growing with decades of desert wandering, courage, sacrifice and obedience.
Now, at the age of 85, when most people think about the past, Caleb is energized to fulfill God's promise. In fact, he says he feels just as strong as he did when Moses sent him on that journey. Most people don't want to take on new challenges at that age, but Caleb pleads to Joshua to let him lead the battle against the Anakites (the so-called giants). Joshua grants his request and, amazingly, the next chapter of Joshua describes how Caleb fights as a courageous warrior and enlarges their inheritance more than expected. This is a great example of diligence. It's one thing to have your faith strengthened by a test -- another to build that strength with lifelong faithful obedience in order to bring ultimate glory to God. Old is good, because it gives us that much more time to get His work done!
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