A Man With A DIFFERENT SPIRIT
Numbers 13:1,2, The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Choose a leader from each tribe and send them into Canaan to explore the land I am giving you.”
Numbers 13:6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh;
We've all heard the story - about 12 spies going into the land of Canaan. Yes, the land was beautiful and was filled with milk and honey. But there was a problem - there were giants in the land. Ten of those spies came back with that negative report but 2 spies didn't - Caleb and Joshua. The negative report of the 10 spies caused Israel to to not enter into the promised land for 40 years.
I like the description given about Caleb...
Numbers 14:24 “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.
Caleb had a different spirit because of this God was going to bring him into the land so that he could possess his inheritance. Obedience cost Israel their blessing and inheritance. Many Christians don’t enter in because of their spirit. We need Caleb’s spirit.
SEVEN CHARACTERISTICS OF CALEB
1. Man Of Vision
He saw the land as the possession of God’s people. He saw Hebron as his inheritance. The ten saw in the natural. Caleb saw in the Spirit. He had a vision of God.
2. Man Of Faith
Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
Numbers 14:9 “Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”
Faith sees the victory. Faith brings a good report. Faith sees with the eyes of God Faith says I’d like to introduce you to God. Faith brings vision into being
3. Man Of Perseverance
Faith needs to persevere – 40 yrs in the wilderness – in the midst of campfire negativity – 10 instances of murmuring – perseverance comes because we see what God sees
4. Man Of Encouragement
He spread a good report – we can do it – God is with us. Are we ready to encourage others?
5. Man Of Loyalty
He supported Moses – he supported Joshua. Josh 14:6-13. He was loyal to those who God placed over him.
6. Man Of War
Joshua 14:10-12 - 10 “And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old.11 “As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in.12 “Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.”
Later on in life - at the age 85 yrs old – he was not afraid of the enemy – Deut 9:2 “Who can stand before the descendants of Anak?”
Hardest place. Biggest giants. Highest place. Whatever they are - Mountains will fall! Before the blessing is the war.
7. Man Of Blessing.
Josh 15:13-19
He came into his inheritance then gave it away. He gave away the springs of water. It is better to give then receive. He was blessed to be a blessing.
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