For today’s meditation we will look at Deuteronomy 1:36, “Only Caleb son of Jephunneh will enter it. He has remained faithful to me, and I will give him and his descendants the land that he has explored.'” (GNB)
A background about Caleb
We see that God speaks highly of a man named Caleb that he would be the only one to enter into the Promised Land which God promised he would give to him and his descendants. Not only did Caleb receive commendation from God, there was a promise of God’s blessing on his descendants too.
This makes us wonder as to what kind of a man this Caleb might have been, what his background was that God would testify this way about him. Caleb was born as a slave in Egypt, and we see that the first forty years of his life must have been filled with unimaginable hardships, and difficulties.
The meaning behind names
In those days when babies were born their names were in keeping with the times or situations under which they were born. Let me give you some examples.
When the angel appeared to Joseph in a dream before the birth of Jesus these were the words of the angel as found in Matthew 1:21, “She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus---because he will save his people from their sins.” (GNB) The name Jesus was given even before His birth because it meant that, ‘He would be a Savior who will save His people from their sins.’
As the daughter of Pharaoh picked up Moses from the basket in which he was found in the River Nile, we read in Exodus 2:10 that the princess named the baby Moses, because she said, ‘she had drawn him out of water.’
Abraham was ninety nine years old when the Lord told him that he would have a son. When Abraham heard this he laughed, and the Lord told Abraham that he was to name his son Isaac which meant, ‘Laughter.’ Just imagine every time Abraham and Sarah called out to their son it was as if they were saying, ‘laughter come and laughter go.’
So what did the name Caleb mean? Amongst the various meaning that are there, the name Caleb also means ‘dog.’ The parents must have been under so much of pressure under the cruel hand of the Egyptians that they named their son this way. Though they were building great structures for the Egyptians, they themselves had nothing to call their own. The first forty years of Caleb’s life was really tough.
In difficult situations, we too have so many questions such as, ‘Is God there?’ ‘Is He watching?’, ‘Does He really care?’ or ‘Why these problems?’
Caleb was forty years old when God delivered the Israelites from the cruel bondage to the Egyptians. As they neared the Promised Land the people of Israel wanted to spy on the land that was promised, so that they could know what it looked like first hand. Twelve men were chosen, one from every tribe to undertake this task to spy on the Promised Land, and Caleb was one of them. This was a great opportunity that was given to Caleb.
The amazing land
We read in Numbers 13:23, “They came to Eshcol Valley, and there they cut off a branch which had one bunch of grapes on it so heavy that it took two men to carry it on a pole between them. They also brought back some pomegranates and figs.” (GNB)
The men who went to spy on the land were astounded at what they saw. Generally a bunch of grapes can be carried in one hand or maybe with both our hands. Here we read that one bunch of grapes was so heavy that two men had to carry it on a pole between them. The land was so extraordinarily fruitful.
It is a fact that what God promises His children are always exceptional, and beyond our understanding. We need to trust the goodness of God absolutely.
This was the report that the twelve men brought to Moses as we read in Numbers 13:27, “They told Moses, "We explored the land and found it to be rich and fertile; and here is some of its fruit.” (GNB)
They confirmed that the land they explored was truly flowing with milk and honey, and was exactly the way God said it would be. They also showed the fruit from the land that they had brought back with them.
The dual report
However, we read in Numbers 13:28, “But the people who live there are powerful, and their cities are very large and well fortified. Even worse, we saw the descendants of the giants there.” (GNB)
Whenever, there is a ‘but’ we will see that there is something that we need to be cautioned about. The men saw that the land was astounding as the Lord had promised, but they were terrified by the people who were strong, intimidated by their fortified cities, and fearful of the giants who lived there. Though all the men saw the extraordinary grapes and fruits, ten of them were terrified by the giants, and failed to realize that God was well aware of this even before He promised them that bountiful land.
All of the wonderful promises of God speak to us of great things that God has in store for us, but there are also giants that try to hinder us from receiving those promises.
The consequence of unbelief
We read in Hebrews 3:19, “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” (ESV)
The one giant that we observe is the one called unbelief. This was the reason that the people of Israel could not enter the Promised Land. It was not they physical giants they saw, but the giant of unbelief that was in their minds that stopped them from entering that wonderful land of God’s promise. This same giant also hinders us from attaining all that God has in store for us today.
How to overcome unbelief?
We will study the word of God to see how we can overcome this giant called ‘unbelief.’
The father who approached Jesus
A father came to Jesus on behalf of his son who was tormented by an evil spirit. This had caused untold misery to the man’s son.
We read in Mark 9:22, "Many times the evil spirit has tried to kill him by throwing him in the fire and into water. Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (GNB)
This man who came to Jesus probably had heard about Jesus, he also believed that Jesus could do something for his son, but his faith was not steady. His faith was coupled with unbelief and doubt. No wonder he told Jesus, if it is possible please help us.
Every so often we too approach God, and pray the same way. We pray, but don’t believe fully that God is able to answer us. Many people take their stance of unbelief lightly, and justify that they are weak in faith. We fail to understand that unbelief is a sin and this sin hinders us from receiving the blessings that God has for us.
Be careful to not have an unbelieving heart
We read in Hebrews 3:12, “My friends, be careful that none of you have a heart so evil and unbelieving that you will turn away from the living God.” (GNB)
Here’s a word of caution that an evil unbelieving heart can separate us from God. There are so many who are filled with doubt.
The blind man’s faith
There was a blind man who came to Jesus, and Jesus asked him what he wanted him to do. The blind man replied, ‘Lord I want to see’ and immediately Jesus honored his faith, and his sight was restored. Thinking about it, the man could have asked for anything like food or shelter. If he asked for food so he can live comfortably without begging Jesus would have given it to him. However, the blind man knew who Jesus was, and asked Him for what he knew Jesus only could give him. That is why he asked Jesus boldly that he should receive his sight.
So often we go to God in prayer, but our faith is shaky, and we are not sure if God will answer our prayers. If we approach God this way we can never receive good things from the Lord. We need to ask ourselves if we are approaching God with total faith, or if we go to him faltering and with doubt.
Jesus rebuked unbelief
Amongst the twelve disciples of Jesus there were many issues at various times. They even argued about who among them was the greatest. Interestingly, the only times that Jesus rebuked the disciples was for their unbelief.
This means that disbelief brings dishonor to God. For instance if a father told his son who was studying elsewhere, that he had deposited some money into his account, and the son doubted and questioned the authenticity, it simply means that he does not respect his father’s word. So also, when God promises something, we must believe wholeheartedly and be willing to receive the same by believing Him fully. If unbelief is not dealt with, it will separate us from God.
Jesus’ response to the father
We read in Mark 9:23, Jesus said to the father, "Why did you say 'if you can'? All things are possible for the one who believes." (ERV)
Jesus told the father of the boy that everything was possible to one who believes, and wondered as to why he was doubtful.
For instance, God has promised that our children will be taught of the Lord, and that their peace will be great. Nonetheless, when we see our children stumble we too falter in prayer and don’t have the firm faith to believe that God will do what He has promised. Ask God to remove every speck of unbelief from your heart, and overcome the giant called unbelief to be partakers of God’s numerous promises.
The father’s response to Jesus
We read in Mark 9:24, Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I believe! Help my unbelief!” (TLV)
The moment the father declared to Jesus that he believed, he was ready to receive his miracle. That man received the healing for his son by believing in the Lord Jesus. Though this father came with a faith that was faltering, the Lord encouraged him to believe, and strengthened his faith to receive the healing.
Every time we believe God with all our heart and approach Him, we too will receive our miracle. If you are burdened about your spouse, your work, your children or whatever else, the word of God calls you to trust Him completely for God to do the impossible.
The question the disciples had
This was the question that the disciples asked Jesus as found in Mark 9:28, When Jesus came home, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive the spirit out?" (ISV)
Here’s a dialogue between Jesus and His disciples that took place in private when they had gotten home. The reason for this was that before the father brought his son to Jesus, he first brought the boy to the disciples. Though the disciples had cast out demons, and had also healed many earlier, in this particular incident they were unable to help the boy who was possessed. Only when they could not do anything, the father decided to take his son to Jesus, who healed him without any difficulty.
This baffled the disciples who couldn’t understand as to why they were unable to heal the boy. There was also a reason for this question.
We read in Luke 9:1, Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases.(GNB)
Jesus had given the authority to cast out all demons, and to heal all kinds of diseases. Somehow, at this point the disciples lacked in their faith, and faltered with unbelief.
Jesus’ response to His disciples
We read in Mark 9:29, He told them, "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting." (ISV)
Though the disciples had accomplished a lot at this point it seemed they were floundering in their faith. The Lord emphasized that this kind of demon could be cast out only by prayer and fasting.
This is so like many of us who have overcome many hardships, and trials in our lives. However, there is this one issue that seems to be bothering us or is like a thorn in our flesh which we are not able to overcome. The Lord assured us that if we believe with all our heart we will have the victory. Instead of looking at the problem through our physical eyes, if only we can believe, we will see the glory of God. Whatever may be the huge problem in front of you the Lord will help you triumph over the same. Prayer and fasting will certainly strengthen our faith in God. Every time you come to God believe and ask the Lord Jesus with faith, you will certainly receive your answer. When unbelief goes, victory is surely ours.
Why was Caleb set apart?
Caleb expresses his faith in God like this even amongst the unbelieving leaders.
We read about this in Numbers 14:8, “If the LORD is pleased with us, he'll bring us into this land and give it to us. It flows with milk and honey.”(ISV)
How do I overcome unbelief?
We must ask, ‘What does God and His word say about my situation?’ These could be matters pertaining to our health, our finances, our children, our work or relationships. If we study the word and discover what God has to say, and believe it fully, most certainly the Lord will give us strength to overcome every giant we face. Let us ask God to help us be rid of unbelief totally, and bring us to a point of complete faith, and trust in the Lord. Don’t be discouraged over your circumstances. Just as the father brought his son to Jesus, and received the healing, come with faith, and you too will receive your victory from the Lord.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by Sis. Esther Collins
