The Character Of Caleb

If you are a Sunday Christian... people will know it and you will just be another one of the crowd.

Caleb had a different spirit. Notice also…

II. The COURSE which Caleb adopted.

1. He chose the path of CONSECRATION.

"He followed the Lord fully."

One meaning, and perhaps the dominant usage of the word means to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity: to consecrate a new church building.

Most of you have attended a dedication service.

It can also have secular usage like to devote or dedicate to some purpose: a life consecrated to science.

Caleb’s spirit was one of consecration… his mind, heart and everything else was consecrated… given… dedicated to… the service, obedience and glorification of God.

For Caleb it was his glasses through which he saw the world.

In making a decision, the issue was “I belong to God. What would he have me do?”

When it came to entering the promised land… it was a no brainer… God said “GO”, so we go.

Others could bring up the problems, the hurdles but Caleb focused on obeying and glorifying God.

For Caleb life was simple, obey God!

Someone once said, “God said it- I believe it- that settles it.”

That is not true. Caleb would tell you the truth…

God said it- that settles it.”

3. He chose the path of complete obedience.

"Hath followed me fully"

Following God was his one concern, his over-riding purpose in life, his main pursuit... his only business.

In his heart and in his mind he was totally given to this one thing. What one thing are you totally given to?

And finally, let's notice...

III. The DISTINCTIONS he received.

1. Divine Approbation.

Who really matters to you?

Who do you really want to impress and have them make over you?

Spouse? Boss? Parent? Mentor? Idol? Hero?

If you could think of one person to use as a reference on your resume, who?

For Caleb... It was unmistakably, undeniably... GOD!!!!

Maybe you will get it... Caleb did.

God saw him.... approved him.... and publicly commended him

God even gave him the highest designation ever used of anyone except His son, Jesus SERVANT!

God did this for very few men... publicly proclaiming them to be his servant... Moses Joshua Caleb Job

That is what I want.

Not for God to part the skies and speak in deep voice.. "Rick is my servant in whom I am well pleased."

But one day, when I stand at the throne, I want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant..."

I will too... IF I possess that different spirit, and IF I choose the course of complete obedience.

I will receive one other thing that Caleb received too...

2. A Glorious Reward,

"Him will I bring into the promised land."

2 persons that voted in that first vote eventually made it into the promised land.

Only the 2 that voted YES, only the two who stood for the Lord.

Only the 2 with a different spirit, only the 2 that chose the path of full obedience.

ALL THE REST DIED IN THE DESERT!!!!!

ALL THE REST MISSED GOD'S REST !!!!!

Their bones served as monuments to God's displeasure against disbelief.