The Loyalty Dare
Joshua 14:6-15; 15:14-17
We hear a lot about disloyalty in our world today – in families, the work place, government, and even in the church. It is refreshing to hear about a person who exhibits loyalty in his/her relationships, especially to the Lord. As believers, we need to dare to cultivate lifelong loyalty to the Lord, our families, and in all of our relationships.
Caleb was a man who dared to be loyal to God throughout his life. Joshua was in the process of dividing the land when Caleb reminded him that Moses had promised him: “The land where you have set foot will be an inheritance for you and your descendants forever, because you have remained loyal to the Lord my God” (Joshua 14:9). Caleb was one of the 12 spies Moses had sent to scout the Promised Land. He and Joshua had displayed bold faith and loyalty when they went against the other 10 spies’ fearful report. He encouraged Moses and the people to go and take possession of the land because he knew that God would help them conquer the land. The people would not listen to Caleb and Joshua; therefore, they had to wander through the desert area for 40 years.
The Lord had blessed Caleb with good health and strength over the years. He told Joshua he was as strong as he had been when Moses had sent him out as a scout and he was ready and able to possess his inheritance with God’s help.
The Lord instructed Joshua to give Caleb a portion of the land assigned to the tribe of Judah. The land was given to him because of his loyalty to God. This fulfilled a promise God had made to Caleb 45 years earlier. God honors His promises and, as believers, we should honor our promises.
Caleb drove out the inhabitants of Hebron and fought against the people of Debir. He had a daughter who was not married, so he gave a challenge to the men. He promised to give his daughter, Achsah, to be the wife of anyone who conquered Debir. He was looking for a man who would be strong, courageous and loyal like himself. His nephew, Othniel, conquered Debir. As a wedding present, Caleb gave them a field, which was a desert area. Before they left Caleb, Achsah asked for an additional gift – some springs. Water was of supreme importance in the hot and dry region. Caleb gave them the upper and lower springs. This was a very generous gift. Caleb gave them the springs because he valued their loyalty to each other and to him.
As believers, we should express our loyalty to God and inspire other believers to be loyal to Him. We should also cultivate loyalty in all of our relationships.
Johnston– Lessons in the ETB series for the summer quarter are being written by Virginia Johnston, a member of First Baptist Church, North Charleston, where her husband Dan is pastor.