Claiming God’s Promise
Joshua 14
After years of war and conquest the land of Canaan is
finally under the control of the people of Israel. Now with the fighting at an end, the work of dividing up the
Promised Land between the remaining tribes had to be done. Caleb, the
Kenizzite, an eighty-five year old warrior, steps forward to claim what is
rightfully his by God’s promise.
He’s waited forty-five years for his reward.
I.
Caleb Remembers - Joshua 14:6-9
Memories bring feelings but
promises bring hope.
Most of the time no one tells you
that you are too old; they just ignore you.
II.
Caleb Reflects - Joshua 14:10-11
Reflection moves beyond a memory to
evaluate the results and outcomes of the experiences in our
lives.
Reflection is to remembering as
memorizing is to meditation.
Maturity is to focus on what really matters.
Faith breeds patience.
III.
Caleb Requests - Joshua 14:12
Most older people are more apt to
talk about conflicts gone by than to take on a new one.
IV. Caleb Receives - Joshua 14:13-15
God not only preserved the promise
for the man, God preserved the man for the promise.
You can’t take a vacation from
your vocation.
The name of the place Caleb inherited
was named Hebron. This means "Fellowship".
God has a place of victory, peace and
power for us, but we must be willing to claim our possession. It isn't for the faint-hearted,
but it is for the faith-hearted.
Lessons of Today’s Message:
1. We're never done till God takes us home.
2. God has been preparing you for today's task your whole life long.
3. Claiming the Promise of God may require effort on your part.
4. To the young: Be patient. It might take 45 years, but God will keep His promises.
5. Never underestimate what God can do through someone older than you.
