Our theme for this month: “Take care of each other”
Our Bible verse for today: “Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers, except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” Deuteronomy 1:35-36 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Follow the Lord wholeheartedly”
This morning I want to return to our thought from yesterday about the importance of setting a good example for others. One of the most impactful things you can to for others is to set a good example for them. Those close to you will be influenced by how they see you conduct yourself. If the practice of your faith is deep, sincere, and consistent, they will notice, and there’s a good chance they will follow your example.
For many reasons, Caleb is one of my Old Testament heroes. For one thing, I’m inspired by the courage he demonstrated in Numbers chapters 13-14 when Moses sent him on an undercover mission to spy out the Promised Land. When ten of the other spies who went with him brought back a bad report to the nation, voicing fear about the strength of their enemies and encouraging the people to disobey God, Caleb (along with Joshua) boldly opposed them and insisted that the nation obey God and trust Him. Caleb continued to maintain that position even when the other ten, along with the majority of the people, threatened to stone him for voicing a contrary opinion.
I’m also inspired by Caleb’s passion for life, and the vigor and strength he displayed when, in Joshua 14:11, at the advanced age of eighty-five, he entered the Promised Land, took possession of it, and declared his intention (and ability) to fight and defeat any enemies who would dare to oppose him.
But another thing I really admire about Caleb is his passion for following the Lord. Five times the Bible describes the way he practiced his faith as having been “wholehearted” (Numbers 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:8,9,14). Caleb followed the Lord “wholeheartedly”, with great enthusiasm and with nothing held back. Not only did God reward him for his single-minded, wholehearted, full-steam-ahead attitude, but ever since then God has used Caleb’s story and his great example to inspire countless thousands of others.
He will do the same with your good example. One of the most important and helpful things you can do for others is to set a good example for them in how you follow the Lord. I encourage you to be faithful and passionate – be “wholehearted”.
Oak Hill Baptist Church