Because He Wholly Followed

“The people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh said to him, ‘You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God… concerning you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word as it was in my heart. But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses swore on that day, saying, “Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.” And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.’

“Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel…

“[Caleb’s daughter] said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” Joshua 14:6-14;15:19

At age 40, because he wholly followed the Lord his God, Caleb saw the land for what it was. His heart did not melt in fear as did his fellow spies’, but throbbed with faith and zeal. Now, 45 years later, he and his passion for the Lord and His promises were as strong as ever. He was eager and ready to receive his land, and receive it he did.

Wholly following the Lord always brings blessing. Sometimes it comes presently, sometimes in the future. Sometimes it is tangible and sometimes intangible, but always it is a place of belonging and security and abundance. When we’re planted in God’s promises and count on His word, we can claim His goods for ourselves and others because of Who backs them and delights to give.

How much of His good land do we know? When are we familiarizing ourselves with the contours of His graces, enabling, wisdom, and sufficiency? How closely do we follow His lead? Do we tread His paths hesitatingly, begrudgingly, or wholeheartedly? And for whom do we advocate for His riches of life? Present enjoyment of God reaps eternal blessing.

Father, may I know Your word and love You so deeply that I wholeheartedly follow You in grateful, joyful response, and make Your limitless blessings known.