TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Joshua 14:6-15
A son, speaking at his mother’s funeral, related a story about visiting her in a skilled nursing facility. When the son asked his mother, who had outlived her circle of friends, why she was so upset, she responded that she could see her friends talking in Heaven and observing, “Well, it looks like Helen did not make it.”
Paul declares that we all are dependent on God and are saved by His grace (See Ephesians 2:1-9). He further states, “We are [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). As one of my Bible professors, Clyde Miller, instructed, “Grace does not negate obedience.”
Scripture “was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). An encouraging passage about pursuing the land God prepares for His people is found in Joshua 14:6-15.
Joshua records that Caleb is 85 years old and has not lost his hope. Caleb approaches and reminds Joshua that Moses spoke for the Lord and made a commitment to Caleb when he was 40 years old. Caleb was promised that the portion of the land upon which he walked when he spied out the land of Canaan would be his inheritance because he followed the Lord fully. Though 45 years have passed since, Caleb affirms that his faith is deep and that he is strong physically. Then, Caleb asks that the “hill country” be given to him as promised and commits to driving the Anakim from their “great fortified cities” with the Lord’s presence and help.
Christians wait for the return of the Lord and the revelation of His glory (See Matthew 25:31-45). As you anticipate that day, you will have hills to climb and face a variety of spiritual enemies as you follow the Lord fully. You have the promise that the gracious God will be with you (See Hebrew 13:1-6) and that you can make it to Heaven.
Today, I will…discuss with God the challenges I face as I wait for the Lord’s return, request that God will be with me and fight my battles, and solicit God to help me follow Him fully all the days of my life.
