“You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with the people made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.”

Joshua 14:8-9.

So Caleb is now recalling his journey of faith to Joshua who has also walked with God all those years. It is so important to recall God’s faithfulness in our lives and then relate these events to others, helping them remember God’s faithfulness in their lives. This is what Caleb is doing with Joshua. Caleb is referring to the story in Numbers 13 and 14 when Moses sends out twelve spies from the twelve tribes to explore the land of Canaan to give a report on what they saw. I would encourage you to read Numbers 13 and 14 on your own, but essentially what happens is – ten of the spies come back with a bad report about the land. They claim that the people living there are giants and that it would be too hard to go into the land.

Meanwhile, Joshua and Caleb saw the same thing, but had a much different report. Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said,

“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb believed in God and His power, even in the midst of great odds against him. 

Oftentimes, people can see the same problems and have much different reactions. Either someone will shrink back completely and wallow in unbelief, or believe that God will lead, no matter what. I suggest that the second type of faith response I just described is absolutely key for us in the future to experience the fullness that He has for us as a church…let’s not miss it!

In this case, the Israelites refused to believe the promises of God through Caleb and therefore were sentenced to forty years of wandering in the desert of Egypt due to their unbelief. Yet, Caleb and Joshua were able to eventually enter the land despite the unbelief of the people. Caleb brought back a report according to his convictions forty years ago and after all this time as passed, he has not forgotten the promises of God;

(v. 10-11).

Wow, now that is an inspiring speech!! Many odds are against Caleb in his advanced age. But Caleb knows that with God anything is possible! Caleb is not letting a perceived inhibitor (age) get in the way. I for one am so grateful for all the seasoned saints in our church who continue to seek the Lord and have a great impact for Him! I am amazed by how many of you in our church are in your 80’s and 90’s and still passionately pursuing the Lord. You are an inspiration for us all! Thank you for your response to God’s leading throughout your life, we are blessed because of it.

This was certainly the case for those impacted by Caleb’s life. We could all easily look at inhibitors to serving and making an impact for God in our own lives. Perhaps we could say or have said: I am too old, too young, don’t know enough about the Bible, am not smart enough, am too busy, am fearful, etc., etc., etc., as inhibitors to serving God and making an impact for Him.

The Bible has a different approach! ….. “For the Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”