Week 33: An Instrument of God

But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. Numbers 14:24

 

Background: Joshua 14:6-15 Numbers chapters 13, 14

From time to time God looks for men and women to use to achieve His plan. From the very beginning God called men and women like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and Caleb, Samuel, Debora, Esther, Mary and many others to play a particular role in His plan. Each did what God required. Of these men and women, one in particular strikes me for the special characteristics that marked his life and made him available to God as an instrument for His purposes. It is Caleb. His story is found in Numbers chapters 13 & 14; and Joshua 14:6-15 & 15:13-19. The Bible illustrates in the life of Caleb, the qualities of a person whom God can effectively use.

1. Caleb was a man of conviction.

Here’s what he told the people of Israel: “We should go up and take possession of the land, for WE CAN certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30). To him, this report was according to his convictions (Joshua 14:7). It is on the basis of this conviction that he was able to take part in the conquest of the Promised Land with Joshua. Now, he is almost at the end of a long battle in which he was victorious and he is asking Joshua the leader to honor the promise given to him by Moses (Joshua 14:9; Numbers 14:24). Conviction is very important in all aspects of life. Without conviction with regard to the choice of our career, profession or ministry, we are certainly doing the wrong thing in the wrong place. A man without conviction will never achieve great things nor will he have an influence or impact in his ministry.

2. Caleb was a man who followed the Lord wholeheartedly.

The expression “followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly” occurs three times in this passage about Caleb. (Numbers 14:8, 9, & 14). This emphasizes its importance in the life of a man of God, a man God would use as his instrument. This implies walking with God like Noah (Genesis 6), dwelling in intimate and personal relationship with God, trusting Him completely, getting to know His mind and drawing from Him the power and wisdom needed to carry out our duties. From this kind of relationship we have passion and clear understanding of God’s purposes in our lives, profession and ministry.

3. Caleb was a man who acknowledged God all the time.

Caleb was forty years old when he was sent to explore the land (Joshua 14:7). Since that time the Lord had kept him alive for forty-five years, while Israel moved about in the desert. “So here I am today, eighty-five years old.” There is here an expression of gratitude, acknowledgement of God’s power to protect, give strength and to grant victory; and faith in God to go on with what is remaining. It is the experience of Faith in the past applied in the present and that would be applied in the future as he looks ahead to conquer the portion of land promised to him but still occupied by Anakites. Look at the depth of his faith as he says “but the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as He said.” Faith is looking to God, but looking to God as we act. Realities of history may cause us to look back for reference but looking back should not keep us from looking ahead, looking to God. The same God who has done great things for you in the past is still able to do so today and in the future. Trust Him again and follow Him wholeheartedly and you’ll be amazed.

It is clear that Caleb was rewarded because his conviction, his commitment to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, and his faith in the Lord. Even his request to Joshua was based on the promise which he was convinced God would accomplish as Caleb did his part. May you experience God’s favor and blessings of Caleb as you live for God and serve Him in your profession.

Stephen R. Bamoleke
Uganda

– This article comes from AI’s “No Higher Calling,” a devotional for lawyers.