Caleb Followed the Lord Fully
(From Mark Copeland)
Introduction:
· Most will recall the story of the twelve spies sent to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:1-2) They spent forty days travelling through the land.
· They brought back both good news and bad news. Good: (Numbers 13:27) Bad: (Numbers 13:28)
· Caleb, one of the twelve spies, tried to encourage the people. (Numbers 13:30)
But ten spies with their discouraging report caused the people to groan and weep. (Numbers 13:31-14:4)
· Caleb and Joshua knew they could take the land with the Lord’s help. (Numbers 14:6-9)
· The people didn’t believe Caleb and Joshua; so they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. (Numbers 14:28-37)
· Caleb and Joshua were spared. (Numbers 14:38)
· The Lord said that Caleb was spared because he followed the Lord fully. (Numbers 14:24)
He followed God’s lead wholeheartedly. Similar statements were made about him at later times. (Numbers 32:11-12, Deuteronomy 1:36, Joshua 14:8-9, 14) He obeyed God completely.
Body: What Does It Mean to Follow the Lord Fully?
I. To Follow the Lord All Our Days
Caleb followed Him in the wilderness and was still following forty-five years later. (Joshua 14:8-10)
Many have not. They follow for a while and then turn away. (Galatians 1:6) See also James 5:19-20.
Be faithful and follow the Lord until death. (Revelation 2:10) We are able to do this by keeping our eye on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-4)
II. To Follow the Lord With Our Whole Heart
Note Christ’s response to the lawyer’s question. (Matthew 22:35-38) This represents the whole person in every aspect. It is the idea of total devotion
We cannot let things of the world detract us.
King Solomon (I Kings 11:4) Human relationships influence what we do and how we live.
Being friends with the world will lead us from God. (James 4:4, I John 2:15-17)
Caleb made the decision to follow Jehovah with all his heart.
III. To Follow the Lord Despite the Hardships
Caleb followed Jehovah knowing there were giants in the land. (Numbers 13:32-33) He was willing to face the anger of his own brethren. (Numbers 14:10)
Many Christians today will only follow Christ when it’s easy or convenient. (John 6:60-61, 66-68) But notice Matthew 5:10-12.
Conclusion:
Caleb chose to follow God fully. As a result, he was allowed to enter Canaan, receive land as an inheritance, and his land had rest from war. A great reward awaits those who follow the Lord fully.
Bobby Stafford
February 17, 2013
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