Caleb, an example to follow

"In that day, Moses swore : The land which your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance, and that of your descendants forever, because you have fully followed the way of the LORD my God." Joshua 14.9

Of the twelve spies sent to explore the promised land, Caleb was the only one to fully follow the Lord. The others had seen the same things, but only Caleb (and Joshua) trusted God completely and translated his faith into action.

"God has given us his Spirit and his Word, but it is up to us to decide what we will do with it."

So Caleb received a special reward. But this reward rested on his personal initiative. In other words, the larger the country that his feet would tread, the greater his inheritance would be. It would be up to him to determine the territory he would cover. Few steps or a lot. The choice belonged to him.

This example is a good example of how God gives His blessings. To a certain extent, we all receive the same reward : none of us are saved by His works ; we all receive salvation by grace, regardless of what we do. However, as Caleb discovered, our rewards result from our actions, from the use we make of the resources God has given us. If we are faithful and obedient.

For example, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6.7). What we receive in life is directly related to what we have done with our time, talents and resources. It's true for our finances. Our health. Our relations. Even our spiritual life. God gives us resources, and opportunities to use them. He gave us his Spirit and his Word. But it's up to us to decide what we will do.

Today, think about your life. What do you do with your time, your talents and your resources ? Where do you plant your seeds ? What are your priorities ? Have you accepted compromises with the world ? Or do you have an inflexible faith, a total trust in God and his Word ? Make sure you give God the first place. Seek first his kingdom and justice. Sow abundantly for his kingdom.

A prayer for today

Father, I thank you for everything you gave me. I wish to live a deeper relationship with you. I want to seek your kingdom first. I am hungry and thirsty to know you, you and your Word. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

John Roos

Source (The Thought of the Day)