All In - CAleb

If you have a Bible, turn over to ’ll give you a moment to get there. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after 400 years of slavery in Egypt. At one point, Moses sent 12 spies to spy out the Promised Land for 40 days. One of them was named Caleb. Caleb came back with a positive report, silenced the people and said, ‘Let’s go and take possession of the promise that God has given to us.’ But 10 out of the 12 spies had a bad report. They said, ‘We seem like grasshoppers in the eyes of the giants we saw in the land.’ They failed to claim the promise and an entire generation died. But 40 years later, God gives them a second chance. Aren’t you glad that God gives second chances? Fast forward, 45 years, Caleb is the oldest man in Israel by a longshot. His entire generation has died off and according to tradition, Joshua was probably less than half his age. Joshua may have been 17 years old when explored the Promised Land, Caleb was 40 and he is now 85 years young.

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As we are moving right through our series called “All In”, the first week we looked at the story of Noah and that he needed at go “All In” for God even though at times he might have thought, “Why on earth am I building a boat?” Then last week we look at the story of Abraham and Isaac and saw that Abraham was faithful to God even though God was telling him to sacrifice his one and only son, whom he loved Isaac. And the amazing thing about our Heavenly Father is that he always does what he says he will do. This morning we are going to look at Caleb who as well went “All In” in serving God.

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years after 400 years of slavery in Egypt. At one point, Moses sent 12 spies to spy out the Promised Land for 40 days. One of them was named Caleb. Caleb came back with a positive report, silenced the people and said, ‘Let’s go and take possession of the promise that God has given to us.’ But 10 out of the 12 spies brought back a bad report. They said, ‘We seem like grasshoppers in the eyes of the giants we saw in the land.’ Those 10 spies failed to claim the promise, which resulted in an entire generation who died. But 40 years later, God gives them a second chance. Aren’t you glad that God gives second chances? Isn’t it wonderful that we serve a God of second, third, fourth and fifth chances? Fast forward, 45 years, Caleb is the oldest man in Israel. His entire generation has died off and according to tradition, Joshua was probably less than half his age. Joshua may have been 17 years old when explored the Promised Land, Caleb was 40 and he is now 85 years young.

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Caleb had been promised a piece of property forty five years earlier. Since that promise, he spent forty years wandering in the wilderness with a bunch of dissatisfied, unfaithful, whining people. Then under Joshua’s leadership, Caleb spent the past five years fighting as a soldier against the Canaanite kingdoms. Even after 45 years long years, he still held onto God’s promise. He said, “I remember God’s promise to me, now give me this hill country!” He never did let go of that promise and that’s what the Bible calls persistence.

Caleb had been promised a piece of property forty five years earlier. Since that promise, he spent forty years wandering in the wilderness with a bunch of dissatisfied, unfaithful, whining people. Then under Joshua’s leadership, Caleb spent the past five years fighting as a soldier against the Canaanite kingdoms. Even after 45 years, he still held onto God’s promise. He said, “I remember God’s promise to me, now give me this hill country!” He never let go of that promise–that’s what the Bible calls persistence.

Here is what we need to hear this morning... When God gives you a promise–you should never let it go! Has God given you a promise? No, he has given you hundreds and thousands of promises right here in His Word.

Lets read some of the promises that God has given to us in His Word!

; “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Here’s the application for us: When God gives you a promise–you should never release it! Has God given you a promise? No, he has given you hundreds and thousands of promises right here in His Word.

The story of Caleb teaches us to never give up on God or His promises. I came upon a story about a scrawny kid who attended a small high school. They didn’t have a wrestling program, but he read a book on wrestling and asked one of the assistant football coaches if he would enter him in some of the wrestling matches in that region.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

; “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

; “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

; “ Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you, he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

; “So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.”

, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

They will run and not grow weary.

I could easily keep on going with many more wonderful promises that are within scripture! That is why it is so important to spend time daily reading God’s word, for it is alive and active! The story of Caleb teaches us to never give up on God or His promises. I came upon a story about a scrawny kid who attended a small high school. They didn’t have a wrestling program, but he read a book on wrestling and asked one of the assistant football coaches if he would enter him in some of the wrestling matches in that region.

Caleb teaches us to never give up on God or His promises. One of my favorite stories is about a scrawny high kid from West Texas who attended a small high school. They didn’t have a wrestling program, but he read a book on wrestling and asked one of the assistant football coaches if he would enter him in some of the wrestling matches in that region.

They will walk and not faint.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.The story of Caleb teaches us to never give up on God or His promises. I came upon a story about a scrawny kid who attended a small high school. They didn’t have a wrestling program, but he read a book on wrestling and asked one of the assistant football coaches if he would enter him in some of the wrestling matches in that region.

The coach agreed to help the kid. This little guy was neither strong, nor skillful, but he had one enduring quality–he refused to give up. He won every single wrestling match, because he tenaciously held on to his opponents and wore them down. By the end of the season, he was undefeated and made it to the state finals for his weight classification. The kid’s opponent was a two-time state champ and a bona fide college prospect. As the scrawny kid faced the state champion, the state champion made a couple of quick moves, and soon had the West Texas kid pinned. The coach knew his athlete was about to lose, and he couldn’t bear to watch it, so he turned his head away. Suddenly, the coach heard the roar of the crowd and when he turned around, his kid was on top of the state champ, pinning him. He had won the match! The little guy bounced across the mat and hugged the coach and said, “Coach, I won! I won!” The coach said, “Sure, son. But I missed it. I turned away just before you were about to lose, what happened?” The kid said, “Coach, that guy was good. He had me twisted like a pretzel on that mat. But you know me, coach. I NEVER quit. I refuse to give up! So I opened my eyes, and there in front of my face was a big toe. I don’t even know if it’s against the rules or not, but I bit into that big toe with all my strength...and coach, it’s amazing what you can do when you bite your OWN toe!”

Both Joshua and Caleb were old, but God reminded them that He wasn’t through with them. In we read, “When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him. You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.”

Both Joshua and Caleb were old, but God reminded them that He wasn’t through with them. In we read, “When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him. You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.”

I believe with all my heart that when you follow God with all your heart you will never retire from serving Him!

Six times in the Old Testament we read these words describing Caleb, “He wholeheartedly followed the Lord.” In fact, Caleb’s name literally means, “follows God like a dog.” I want to challenge you this morning and ask you… Are you following God with your whole heart? God doesn’t want just a piece of your life, he wants wants everything all of you!

Six times in the Old Testament we read these words describing Caleb, “He wholeheartedly followed the Lord.” In fact, Caleb’s name literally means, “follows God like a dog.” If you aren’t following God with your whole heart, you’re only a half-hearted Christian–and half-hearted Christians are faint-hearted Christians.

God has called each and everyone of us to serve Him. And if you are following God will all your heart, you’ll never retire from spiritual service. Serving the Lord is not a job; it’s a life-calling. God has called all of His children to serve Him– and we are not allowed to take vacations from following Christ!

You may think God can’t use you because you’re too old, or you don’t have any special training or abilities. One of the greatest servants of God in the 19th Century was a shoe salesman from Chicago named D.L. Moody. He was never ordained and he never attended college or seminary. But one time, D.L. Moody heard a preacher, Henry Varley, speak these words: “The world has yet to see what God can do IN and WITH and THROUGH and FOR a man wholly committed to Him.” And at that moment, D.L. Moody said, “By the grace of God I will be that man.”

You may think God can’t use you because.... your to shy, too old, not enough training or abilities. One of the greatest servants of God in the 19th Century was a shoe salesman from Chicago named D.L. Moody. He was never ordained and he never attended college or seminary. But one time, D.L. Moody heard a preacher, Henry Varley, speak these words: “The world has yet to see what God can do IN and WITH and THROUGH and FOR a man wholly committed to Him.” And at that moment, D.L. Moody said, “By the grace of God I will be that man.”

I believe that Sussex has yet to see what God can do In and With and THROUGH and FOR you wholly committed to Him. Will you say just like what D.L, Moody said, “By the grace of God I will be that person”? Are you willing to allow God to use you in mighty powerful ways? We need to remember this morning that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, so keep on serving, keep on praying, keep on being available to God!

We need to remember this morning that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, so keep on serving, keep on praying, keep on being available to God!

I love this poem that I found about Caleb.

He stood before Joshua with flashing eyes;

He stood before Joshua with flashing eyes;

“Give me this mountain before I die!”

“But Caleb, you’re old and the mountain is high;

Choose a peaceful spot on this plain to die;

The people who live on the mountain are strong;

The battle you fight will be bloody and long.

His eyes never wavered as he spoke without fear;

“I’ve been promised this mountain for 45 years!

And as for the people being mighty and tall;

The bigger they are, the harder they fall!

For it’s not my strength on which I’m countin’;

For the Lord is going to give me that mountain;

So let’s quit talking while it is still light;

For the Lord and I have a battle to fight!”

(Author unknown)

So, let’s take to heart the lessons we have learned from Caleb to never let go of God’s promises; never retire from serving God! If you will follow God with your whole heart and depend on his strength alone, you will still be able to thrive as you journey through this life. If God can do that for an old man like Caleb, just think what He can do with someone like you!

Now the first key to Caleb’s success was that Caleb gave everything he had to God! Note the repeated phrase "Wholly followed the Lord." This is said about Caleb 6 times in the Old Testament. It is a phrase that means "To close the gap." It refers to the fact that Caleb was committed to keeping the distance between him self and the Lord at a minimum.

Now the first key to Caleb success was that God had all of Caleb that there was! Note the repeated phrase "Wholly followed the Lord." This is said about Caleb 6 times in the Old Testament. It is a phrase that means "To close the gap." It refers to the fact that Caleb was committed to keeping the distance between him self and the Lord at a minimum.

Every inch, every ounce, every nerve, every fibre of Caleb belonged to God.

When you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior you said right then that your life belongs to the Lord! says, Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you be God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

I believe that our commitment to Christ affects all our other relationships. The more devoted we are to Jesus, the more faithful we will be to our church, family, and friends.All Jesus wants from you is your total commitment. Anything less will keep you from reaching your Canaanland victory.

The man who kneels before God can stand before anybody or anything. Our commitment to Christ affects all our other relationships. The more devoted we are to Jesus, the more faithful we will be to our church, family, and friends.)

All Jesus wants from you is your total commitment. Anything less will keep you from reaching your Canaanland victory.

In Canaan the spies had seen the sons of Anak, a race of giants, they had seen themselves as grasshoppers. Not Caleb.

In Canaan the spies had seen the sons of Anak, a race of giants, they had seen themselves as grasshoppers. Not Caleb.

• When others saw giants, Caleb saw God.

• When others saw cities walled up to heaven, Caleb saw cities reduced to rubble.

• When others saw a dreadful enemy, Caleb saw a defeated enemy.

• When others saw only foe’s, Caleb saw fruit.

Caleb had seen the Promised Land and while others complained, Caleb looked for a mountain where milk and honey flowed. He was able to see beyond his circumstances into the promises of the Lord. Faith is more than saying that you believe; it is acting on what you believe. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith is more than saying that you believe; it is acting on what you believe. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

III. Caleb was Strengthened by the Lord

Caleb had to scale 3 great obstacles in his quest for his Canaan.

A. He Had To Overcome Grasshoppers -

For Caleb to claim what God had promised he had to go against the majority. There will always be someone saying that it can’t be done, it’s never been done like that before or we can’t afford it. As we go “All In” in serving Christ there are no challenge or obstacle as a church we can’t overcome with the help and the strength that Christ has given us.

B. He Had To Overcome Giants -

All of us have giants in our lives. Giants of discouragement, finances, sickness, family, distress, doubt and the truth is - we can’t defeat them ourselves. We have 2 options. We can say look how small we are compared to those giants. This is the outlook of fear! For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Or we can look at how small those giants are compared to God! This is the uplook of faith! “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

We can say look how small we are compared to those giants. This is the outlook of fear! For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Or look how small those giants are compared to God! This is the uplook of faith! Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

C. He Had To Overcome Gray Hairs -

What does this tell us? When God makes a promise, He will give us the strength to see its fulfilment! True faith looks beyond the present circumstance and sees the provision of the Almighty! Caleb experienced what God had promised! He climbed the mountains and he defeated the giants - he claimed his possession.

Caleb experienced what God had promised! He climbed the mountains and he defeated the giants - he claimed his possession.

It isn’t God’s will for you to wander around in the wilderness of defeat forever. It is His will that you walk in victory and in His power- Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place..

It isn’t God’s will for you to wander around in the wilderness of defeat forever. It is His will that you walk in victory and in His power- Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place..