Caleb's Mountain

JOSHUA 14:6-13

Introduction:

  1. Bible contains stories of many characters from which we may learn
    1. One of these is Caleb
    2. Joshua 14 tells us how he asked for and received his mountain
  2. Who was this Caleb?
  3. Why could he expect to receive this mountain?
  4. What can we learn from Caleb to help us in our pilgrimage?

I. Who Was Caleb? Numbers 13-14

  1. He was probably not an Israelite by birth
    1. Son of Jephunneh the Kenezite Joshua 14:6
    2. Possibly the Kenizzites inhabiting Canaan in Gen 15:19
    3. Descendants of Esau thru Eliphaz Gen 36:11,15 1Chro 1:36
  2. He was a true Israelite in spirit
    1. Wholly followed the Lord Joshua 14:14
    2. A ruler among the tribe of Judah Numbers 13:2,6
  3. He was a man of courage Numbers 13:21,30
    1. Stood firm in face of danger Numbers 14:10
    2. Had complete faith and trust in God Numbers 13:26-30;14:8-9

II. Why Could He Receive This Mountain?

  1. Surrendered his life totally to God
    1. Affirmed by:
      1. God Numbers 14:24
      2. Moses Joshua 14:9
      3. Caleb Joshua 14:8
  2. Spared by God Joshua 14:10
    1. Spared discouragement Joshua 14:8
      1. Not discouraged by walled cities of Canaan
      2. Quieted people when they were scared of land Num 13:30
    2. Spared from disbelief Numbers 14:11,24
      1. Let us go at once and posses it Numbers 13:30
      2. Others were filled with unbelief Hebrews 3:16-19
    3. Spared from death when all others died Numbers 14:38; Hebrews 3:17; 1Cor 10:1,10
  3. Lived a strong life Joshua 14:11
    1. Was 85 when he asked for the mountain Joshua 14:10
    2. Drove the 3 giant sons of Anak from the land Joshua 15:14
    3. Depended on God for strength Joshua 14:12
      1. Faith challenged by facing giants
      2. Did not ask Joshua to conquer the land for him
      3. God's faithfulness also demonstrated
        1. Promised Caleb the mountain
        2. Gave Caleb the mountain
    4. Was satisfied with God's will
      1. "If the Lord" Numbers 14:8; Joshua 14:12
      2. Waited patiently for his inheritance Joshua 14:6-12
      3. Lived at peace for God was with him

III. How Can We Benefit From Caleb's Story?

  1. Lesson in character-First was a man of God needed today
    1. Courage; unafraid of world or persecutions 2Tim 1:6-8,12
    2. Dedicated; constantly striving in our tasks 2Tim 4:5; 2:15
    3. Having faith in God's promises 2Pet 3:9
    4. Be a living sacrifice Rom 12:2
  2. We will face our own mountains
    1. Personal weaknesses, difficult tasks
    2. Our faith will be challenged as was Caleb's
    3. Will you stand firm?
  3. Don't be afraid to claim God's promises
    1. Caleb asked for his mountain
    2. God has promised Mal 3:8-10; Mt 6:33; Mt 7:7-8

Conclusion:

  1. By surrendering to God Caleb's life was spared. By being satisfied with God's plan he remained strong received his reward.
  2. Today with God's help we can face our mountain with courage and confidence that we will conquer it. But as Caleb, we must follow Lord fully. You can't hold back, you can't doubt or waver.
  3. You must have another (different) spirit. Numbers 14:24
  4. You must do God's will not just call on his name. Mt 7:21

Daniel Lee Henderson Buckhorn, MS 1/29/98 2:07:53 PM

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