Character Study – Caleb by Kavitha Sahay

The preacher taught from the book of Numbers, chapters 13 and 14.

Caleb, the leader of the tribe of Judah, accompanied Hoshea aka Joshua and the leaders of the ten other tribes to spy the land of Canaan. They found it ‘flowing with milk and honey’, the land that God promised to Abraham in Genesis and confirmed again to Moses in Exodus. But Israel emphasized on the enemies’ strength instead of trusting in God’s promises.

Only Caleb and Joshua stood up in faith out of all those who had gone and only they entered the promised land out of the whole lot, after forty years.

Caleb was a man of a ‘different spirit’ per God (Numbers 14:24). He focused on God and followed him wholeheartedly. His name means dog but also means faithful. He was faithful to God as a dog even when faced with things that seemed invincible to others.

Numbers 32:12 tells us that Caleb was not a Jew but a Kenizzite. He was a Gentile and not a part of the promise to Israel. But by merit he became a ruler of Judah, the aristocratic tribe from which most kings hailed. Caleb’s story tells us that God is not partial only to Jews and He loves the faithful who trust in Him, and strengthens and honors them.

The book of Joshua (chapters 14 & 15) tells us how Caleb was still strong and courageous and won a battle against the same giants he had spied 45 years ago and how he received Hebron as inheritance just as God promised.

Can we have undeterred faith in God and like Caleb? God looks for people who have the spirit of Caleb. Willing to wait for His promises no matter how long it takes.

Can we apply Caleb’s way in our life? Be focused on God and not the troubles? Follow Him wholeheartedly? Wait for God and trust His promises? Will God say about us, “She has a different spirit this daughter of mine?”

Or will He ask: How long will they refuse to believe Him? Will we be foolish and blinded like Israel even after seeing and reading about so many miracles?

Reflection by Shubha Jha