Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. I stand before you today with a heart full of anticipation and a spirit filled with joy, for I have been given the privilege of sharing with you a message that I believe will inspire and uplift you. Today, we turn our focus to the story of a man whose faith was as steadfast as it was inspiring, a man whose courage shone brightly amidst a sea of unbelief, a man who, at the ripe age of 85, claimed the promise of God with a vigor and vitality that would put many a younger man to shame. Yes, dear friends, we are talking about none other than Caleb, a true hero of the faith.

Before we delve into the heart of our message, I would like to share with you a quote from the revered Christian theologian, J.I. Packer. He once said, "Adoption is the highest privilege that the gospel offers." Now, you might wonder, what does adoption have to do with Caleb? Well, the answer lies in understanding that Caleb, like us, was adopted into the family of God, and it was this adoption, this divine kinship, that fueled his unwavering faith and courage.

Let us now turn our attention to the scripture passage for today, taken from the book of Joshua, chapter 14, verses 6 through 12 [read text].

As we prepare to delve into this rich narrative, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the chance to gather together as a family in Your name. We thank you for Your Word, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we delve into the story of Caleb, we pray that you would open our hearts and minds to the lessons you have for us. May we, like Caleb, be steadfast in our faith, courageous amidst unbelief, and ready to claim your promises, no matter our age. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Caleb's Consistent Commitment

Caleb stands out because of his unwavering commitment to God. His faithfulness is not a sporadic, occasional display but a consistent, enduring trait that defines his character. This is a man who, at the age of 40, was sent out to scout the land of Canaan and came back with a positive report, full of faith and conviction, even when others were filled with fear and doubt. This is a man who, 45 years later, at the age of 85, is still as committed to God and His promises as he was all those years ago.

An anchored commitment. Caleb's commitment is not based on circumstances or convenience. It is not swayed by the opinions of others or the challenges that lie ahead. His commitment is anchored in his relationship with God, in his trust in God's promises, and in his desire to obey God, no matter the cost. This is a commitment that is not just spoken, but lived out in every decision, every action, and every word.

The first aspect of Caleb's commitment that we see is his courage. In the face of daunting odds and overwhelming fear, Caleb stands firm. He does not allow the size of the giants or the strength of the fortified cities to deter him. Instead, he chooses to focus on the size of his God and the strength of His promises. His courage is not a result of his physical strength or his strategic abilities, but a product of his faith in God.

The second aspect of Caleb's commitment that we see is his conviction. Caleb is not just committed to God, he is convinced of God's faithfulness. He is convinced that what God has promised, He will fulfill. This conviction is not based on wishful thinking or blind optimism but on a deep, personal experience of God's faithfulness in his life. It is this conviction that fuels his courage and drives his commitment.

The third aspect of Caleb's commitment that we see is his consistency. Caleb's commitment to God is not a sporadic, occasional display but a consistent, enduring trait that defines his character. He is as committed at the age of 85 as he was at the age of 40. His faith does not waver, his courage does not falter, and his conviction does not fade. This consistency is not a result of his own strength or determination, but a product of God's grace and faithfulness in his life.

The fourth aspect of Caleb's commitment that we see is his claim. Caleb does not just believe in God's promises, he claims them. He does not just hope for God's blessings, he takes hold of them. He does not just wait for God's timing, he steps out in faith. This claim is not a presumptuous demand or a selfish desire, but a confident assertion of God's promises and a bold step of faith in God's power.

Courage Amidst Unbelief

As we navigate the narrative of Caleb's life, we find ourselves in the midst of a remarkable demonstration of courage ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO