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Godly patience is in short supply in virtually every generation. We are not born with an innate ability to postpone gratification. The hungry infant lets everyone know that he wants attention, and he wants it right now. The youngster who looks ahead to the milestone of driving rarely listens to arguments about the need for more experience. If patience is not developed early, we become disgruntled as we tire of waiting.

This is the temptation that faces our generation of Christians. We have not seen God’s kingdom prosper as we had hoped. Thus, many are tempted to despair and retreat from the battle, leaving it to a new generation.

The account of Caleb’s request to Joshua provides both correction and solid encouragement for a generation such as ours that has spent years wandering in the wilderness of ecclesiastical irrelevance. It is the testimony of a man who “wholly followed the LORD” his God when the rest of his generation chose the route of unfaithfulness.

Older citizens of Christ’s church have the advantage of perspective. From the vantage point of the present, they may look back and benefit from the sins and errors of their generation. The seriousness of disobedience is not always perceived until it has produced its noxious fruit. But to benefit from experience, older and younger generations alike must have the humility to confess sins and the courage to correct them. Caleb and Joshua, who had watched their generation die in the wilderness because they would not trust God above their perceptions, were such men.

Two crucial issues scream for correction today. The first is the failure of Christians to confront the culture with the whole counsel of God and press the crown rights of the King of kings and Lord of lords in every arena of human endeavor. Our generation has been content to conform to the culture in the vain hope that a tepid Gospel that does not demand unconditional surrender to Christ will attract a rebellious world. A second matter may underlie the first. Our generation has delivered our children to the priests of secular education for their training. Proverbs 1:7a says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” but we have insisted that our children can be equipped to serve the Lord with their whole hearts in an institution from which God and His Word have been systematically eliminated. God links the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham with his faithfulness in training his children. “ ‘For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him’ ” (Gen. 18:19). Is it any wonder the church has come to imitate the world rather than challenge it in obedience to God?

The perspective of age also provides good encouragement from successes. Caleb had spoken the truth in love about the prospects of subduing the land of Canaan, though he was in a very small minority. He demonstrated that godly leadership is not measured by the number of people who follow, but by following the Lord’s revealed will. It was Caleb’s conviction when he returned from spying out Canaan that, in spite of all of the obstacles, the victory was secure because of the God who had promised. That same conviction prompted Caleb’s request to Joshua for his inheritance. God had been faithful to preserve his life and strength in a remarkable way. He was confident that God would still use him to subdue the nations of Canaan.

Advanced years also have the advantage of removing the illusion that life will go on forever. God’s Word instructs us that life is a vapor that appears for a moment and then vanishes away. The reality of that is usually not apparent to the young. We must learn to pray with Moses, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). God had told Joshua that his time was short and there was still much to be done (Josh. 13:1). Though Caleb still enjoyed good health, he also knew that his time was limited. Godly leaders plan for the future with a view toward death. The godly man lives his life in death’s shadow, that he might live for Him who conquered sin and death.

Thus, Caleb seized the opportunity to set the example once again. Depending on His God who had demonstrated His faithfulness, Caleb asked for his inheritance. He did not ask that someone else assume the responsibility, though in view of his past labors, revered station, and age no one would have begrudged him. Rather, he asked for and received the privilege of securing the portion of land that would be most difficult to wrest from the enemy.

Caleb set the example for older saints. The world system insists that age should relieve people of responsibility. Caleb believed that his age provided unique opportunities to exercise responsibilities. Instead of saying, “I’ve done my part in the past, now let the younger ones do it,” Caleb insisted on setting the example for his less-experienced countrymen.

Don’t grow weary in well doing. Take up the whole armor of God with Caleb’s confidence: ‘ “The LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as He said’ ” (Josh. 14:12, NIV).

Justified by Faith

Faith for Sanctification

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From the April 2001 Issue
Apr 2001 Issue