Caleb’s Inheritance

Text: Joshua 14:6-12; 15:13-14

As one of the two faithful spies, Caleb was promised an inheritance in the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 1:36). But in order to receive this inheritance, he needed to exhibit certain characteristics in order to obtain it.

Caleb’s Example:

Patience

  • Caleb was 40 when he spied out Canaan (Joshua 14:7) – he was now 85 (Joshua 14:10)
  • Waited patiently during wilderness wanderings, conquest, and waited to make his request until after the land was divided (Joshua 14:5-6)
  • Waited for the right time in the Lord’s eyes (Joshua 15:3)

Diligence

  • He was 85, but still willing to fight (Joshua 14:10-12)
  • Taking the land would not be easy – Anakim, sons of Anak – giants (Numbers 13:33) – lived there in fortified cities (Joshua 14:12)
  • So after 40 years of wandering, 5 years of war, Caleb undertook the task of defeating these people

Faith

  • When he returned from spying the land 45 years earlier, he firmly trusted in God (Numbers 13:30; 14:8)
  • At this time he still believed and trusted in God (Joshua 14:12)
  • Faith in God’s works (to help him) and God’s words (His promises)

We Must Follow His Example to Receive Our Inheritance (1 Peter 1:4):

Patience

  • Endurance/patience is an essential quality for Christians (Hebrews 12:1-2)
  • The reward we seek is not of this world (Matthew 6:19-21) – we seek an eternal home (Philippians 3:20)
  • We don’t know how long we must work for our reward, but we must endure to the end (Matthew 24:13)

Diligence

  • God will not save us unconditionally – we must display certain works (James 2:24)
  • We are to be zealous for good works (Titus 2:14)
  • We must be willing to sacrifice all to serve the Lord (Luke 9:23)

Faith

  • We cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)
  • Trust in His words & His promises (Hebrews 6:17-19)
  • Trust in His power to save (1 Peter 4:19)