Wholehearted
My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring into the land where he went,
and his descendants shall inherit it.
Numbers 14:24
Caleb was a “wholehearted” person. He and Joshua were part of a twelve-man reconnaissance team that explored the Promised Land and gave a report to Moses and the people. Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Num 13:30). But ten members of the team said they could not possibly succeed. In spite of God’s promises, they saw only obstacles (v 31–33).
Ten men caused the people to lose heart and complain against God, which led to forty years of wandering in the desert. But Caleb never gave up. The Lord said, “Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it” (14:24). Forty years later God honoured His promise when Caleb, at the age of 85, received the city of Hebron. The Bible says in Joshua14:14: “because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly” (in some translations - Fully).
Centuries later, an expert in the law asked the Lord Jesus, “Which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matt. 22:35–38).
Today Caleb is still inspiring us with his confidence in a God who deserves our wholehearted love, reliance, and commitment.
Bible Reading
Numbers 13:26–32; 14:20–24.
Prayer
Lord, may I love You wholeheartedly today and follow You every day of my life seeking to serve You. In the lovely name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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