Caleb Followed the Lord Fully

(From Mark Copeland)

Introduction:

  • Most will recall the story of the twelve spies sent to spy out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13:1-2) They spent forty days travelling through the land.
  • They brought back both good news and bad news. Good: (Numbers 13:27) Bad: (Numbers 13:28)
  • Caleb, one of the twelve spies, tried to encourage the people. (Numbers 13:30) But ten spies with their discouraging report caused the people to groan and weep. (Numbers 13:31-14:4)
  • Caleb and Joshuaknew they could take the land with the Lord’s help. (Numbers 14:6-9)
  • The people didn’t believe Caleb and Joshua; so they spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. (Numbers 14:28-37)
  • Caleb and Joshua were spared. (Numbers 14:38)
  • The Lord said that Caleb was spared because he followed the Lord fully. (Numbers 14:24) He followed God’s lead wholeheartedly. Similar statements were made about him at later times. (Numbers 32:11-12, Deuteronomy 1:36, Joshua 14:8-9, 14) He obeyed God completely.

Body: What Does It Mean to Follow the Lord Fully?

  1. To Follow the Lord All Our Days
  • Caleb followed Him in the wilderness and was still following forty-five years later. (Joshua 14:8-10)
  • Many have not. They follow for a while and then turn away. (Galatians 1:6) See also James 5:19-20.
  • Be faithful and follow the Lord until death. (Revelation 2:10) We are able to do this by keeping our eye on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-4)
  1. To Follow the Lord With Our Whole Heart
  • Note Christ’s response to the lawyer’s question. (Matthew 22:35-38) This represents the whole person in every aspect. It is the idea of total devotion.
  • We cannot let things of the world detract us.
  • King Solomon (I Kings 11:4) Human relationships influence what we do and how we live.
  • Being friends with the world will lead us from God. (James 4:4, I John 2:15-17)
  • Caleb made the decision to follow Jehovah with all his heart.
  1. To Follow the Lord Despite the Hardships
  • Caleb followed Jehovah knowing there were giants in the land. (Numbers 13:32-33) He was willing to face the anger of his own brethren. (Numbers 14:10)
  • Many Christians today will only follow Christ when it’s easy or convenient. (John 6:60-61, 66-68) But notice Matthew 5:10-12.

Conclusion:

Caleb chose to follow God fully. As a result, he was allowed to enter Canaan, receive land as an inheritance, and his land had rest from war. A great reward awaits those who follow the Lord fully.

Bobby Stafford February 17, 2013