Pastor's Page: I Want That Mountain (Josh 14)

Caleb had done his part. He had marched out of Egypt with Moses and he gave the minority report when the 12 spies returned from their reconnaissance of Canaan. Although the Bible is silent otherwise, he very likely had fought alongside of Joshua in the battle with the Amelekites, and he may well have been a key figure in the 40 years of wilderness wandering. He may have served in the army that swept through Jericho and into the farthest reaches of the conquest of Canaan. The land still had areas still unconquered, but the conquest armies were dismissed and the soldiers were told to go to their new homes and enjoy God’s bounty in peace and rest.

But no, not Caleb. He would have none of this retirement business. He had explored the Hebron country and seen its bounty. He took seriously the divine mandate that the Canaanites must be driven from the land, and he reckoned he had enough strength to do the job.

Not that conquering Hebron would be easy. Caleb knew the challenges. No doubt his own folks pointed out his old age: “Caleb, you’re 85 years old. You’ve got no business driving Canaanites out and resettling all that hill country!” Worse than that, the region was under the control of the Anak family, including its three sons whose giant stature made them formidable warlords.

Caleb would not be dissuaded. When his tribe presented itself to Joshua to receive its allotment of land, he boldly presented himself and with much bluster he told Joshua that he wanted that mountain: “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said” (Josh 14:12).

Since he believed God’s promises and saw his mighty deeds, Caleb scorned the threat of Anak and his three giant sons, and he went out to do the work God called him to do.

In Caleb’s prime years, the Lord protected him against all the wilderness dangers and helped him through many battles. The Lord also granted him many more years of health and vigor. Caleb perceived that God grants life and health for one reason alone, and that is to serve him and to advance the kingdom, and not to serve his own interest. Even in our twilight years, let us remain true and faithful, trusting, serving every day. Soon we will see Jesus our Lord face to face and it will be worth it all.

*This weekly blog article is designed for the Sunday Bulletin. If you need filler for your newsletter or bulletin, feel free to use it, with due attribution.