God had brought the Israelites to the land of Canaan through Joshua's leadership. Now it was time to proportion the land among the tribes. To Reuben, Gad and Manasseh God gave the territory East of the Jordan River. The other tribes, excluding Levi whose inher itance was not land, but the Lord, received lands west of the Jordan. Caleb did not forget God's prom ise 45 years earlier that he would be given an inheritance. He reso lutely charged Joshua to recognize his right to claim Mt. Hebon. We marvel at the tenacious faith of God's servant. He testifies about the Lord's divine capabilities past, present and future (Josh. 14:6-11). We recall how that when Caleb was 40 years old, he and Joshua were sent by Moses, with ten oth er spies from the border camp of Kadesh-Barnea, to the land of Ca naan to bring back some of its fruits. For 40 days they searched the country perceiving both its rich produce and its robust inhabitance. They had confidence in God's promises and providence (Ex. 3:8). There was also a disquieting ma jority report which spoke of giants and a seeming formidable enemy. This struck fear in the hearts of the people. They abandoned all hope of moving into their rightful pos session. Only Caleb and Joshua encouraged Israel to believe God and to possess the land. Their ad vice was spurned by the people. As the result, these unbelievers beyond the age of 20, were sen tenced to die in the wilderness. Yet, God pledged that these two faithful men would be brought in to Canaan 40 years later. Yes, Caleb rightly credits God with keeping him alive and strong
SENSITIVITY TO AGE Today's very hostile society we find in the world seldom favors the Christian. There is little that would encourage a faithful walk for a be liever in the sensual and often de grading aspects of this earth. The only true satisfaction and content ment which we can find is in doing the perfect will of God- The Bible has some practical guidance for people of every age. For those who are older, in their "sunset years" there are some very practical exhortations. God's strength is available for old age. We can be blessed in this period of life as well as being a real bless ing to others. Old age is really a relative thing. To a teenager 65 may seem ancient, while to one who is nearing the century mark, it is entirely different. The Psalm ist says that our days are "three score and ten." That would place middle-age at 35, whether we like to think of it or not. Again, how ever, it depends on one's view point. After all, some people are youthfully vigorous at 70, while other people are woefully worn out at 30. What really counts is coming to an abundance of years with abundant spiritual life. As we grow older we must not grow cold er in the ways of the Lord. A good example for us from the Old Testament was Caleb. At 85 he was just as strong as he had been at 40. What an outstanding stam ina and spiritual fortitude he dis played as we read about him in Joshua 14. As a minister dealing with many people I cannot help but see the different attitude peo ple express. Some are old way be fore their time. Such was not true with this saint.
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