667. NUM 14:24. CHARACTER OF CALEB

Num_14:24. Character of Caleb

"But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it."’97Num_14:24.

Of more than six hundred thousand Israelites brought out of Egypt by the outstretched hand of God, only two entered the land of promise. These two were Caleb and Joshua. All the rest were called, chosen, delivered, guided, miraculously preserved, &c., and yet they perished in the wilderness. Some for murmuring’97some for envy’97many for idolatry, &c.

Among those who were not permitted to enter, were Aaron and Moses. Moses the meekest man, "who was faithful," &c.; yet he grieved God by his rashness, and giving way to his own spirit, &c.

The text has to do, with sending twelve spies, &c. Their return’97and their discouraging testimony; by which God was dishonored. Then Caleb is presented in contrast. "But," &c. Let us consider,

I. His character.

II. His spirit.

III. His course. And,

IV. His reward. Let us consider, I. His character.

"God’s servant;" which includes,

1. Knowledge of God.

2. Choice, or consent to God’s claims.

3. Obedience to the Divine commands.

It is a very high distinction. Angels are such. Jesus became such. All good men are such. It involves,

Lowliness and reverence.

Waiting and docility.

Constancy and uniformity.

II. His spirit.

Another spirit to that of the other spies. Every good man has another spirit, to that possessed by the men of the world. To that he had once. A new creature, &c. Now so of Caleb. The spirit of the other spies was evil, &c.

(1.) Theirs was a servile’97his a noble spirit.

(2.) Theirs was cowardly’97his courageous. How often is Christian magnanimity seen in peril!

(3.) Theirs was distrustful’97his believing.

(4.) Theirs selfish’97his self-denying.

(5.) Theirs languid’97his fervent and zealous.

All these are still essential in the character of the godly.

Observe,

III. His course.

He "followed" the Lord, and "fully."

1. He set God before him.

Looked to him by faith. Obeyed him. Lived as in his sight. Did all things to his glory.

2. He advanced in the Divine life.

He followed’97went on’97progressed. It is a journey, &c. He was not stationary, much less declined.

3. He followed God at all times.

In season and out, &c. Never turned aside. Never veered with the rebellious spies, &c. Loyal and devoted always.

4. He followed the Lord with all his heart.

"Fully." With an undivided heart. With all his soul. To the utmost of his ability.

5. He did so to the end.

Faithful to death;’97continued steadfast, &c.

IV. His reward. It was that of,

1. Public distinction.

God promises his blessing. Holds him up to honor and distinction, &c. Records his excellences on the annals of holy renown.

2. He insures to him the possession of the goodly land.

"Him will I bring," &c. See Jos_14:6, &c.

3. He blesses his seed, for his sake.

Now, in all ages, religion has been personal; yet there are precious relative blessings, always in its train. These especially will be experienced, when we follow the Lord fully, consistently: hearty devotedness, even the unconverted must admire. This will tell on our children, &c. Recommend religion. Honor God, &c. Caleb we hold up as an Example. Lofty’97pure’97steady’97constant’97persevering.

Application

1. Then study it.

2. Imitate it.

S. And thus secure the glorious and eternal reward.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS