A SENIOR MOMENT
Opening Prayer
Lord, may I know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:18, NIV).
Read Joshua 14:6–15
Allotment for Caleb
6 Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 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, 8 but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’[a]
10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.)
Then the land had rest from war.
Footnotes
a. Joshua 14:9 Deut. 1:36
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Take time to ponder on all the blessings we have been given in Christ. Let your knowledge lead to praise.With many battles won, Joshua begins to divide the land among the 12 tribes as Moses had instructed (Joshua 14:2, 5; Numbers 26:52–56). Judah is the first tribe to receive their lot (6).
The appearance of Caleb is a reminder to Israel of the courage they still need (8, 9). Their mission is not yet complete. Caleb had been one of the 12 sent out by Moses to spy the land (Numbers 13:1–25). Now at 85 he is still ready for action (11).
Note the repeated mention of Caleb’s wholehearted obedience and faith (8, 9, 14; Numbers 13:30). Age is no barrier for him. Just as he served in the past, he continues serving.
Notice also how Joshua honors Caleb. He publicly blesses him and gives him his inheritance (13). A sign of good leadership is a willingness to recognize those who have given long and faithful service to others. What an example for us to follow!
Apply
Consider the ‘senior saints’ that you know in your church or family. How might you express appreciation to them for their faithfulness over the years?
Closing prayer
Glorious God, as I thank You for each godly example You have placed in my life, teach me also how to be faithful till the end.
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