Scripture Reading: Joshua 14:6-14
“…Here I am this day, eighty-five years old…I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war…Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day…It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them (the Anakim) out as the Lord said.”—Joshua 14:10-12
Only two of the twelve spies, Joshua and Caleb, had faith God would enable Israel to defeat the giants in the Promised Land. Despite their pleas otherwise, Israel accepted the bad report from the other ten and chose to fear giants instead of trust God. In turn, the nation was condemned to wander forty years for their unbelief.
Forty-five years later, as Israel possessed the Promised Land, Caleb claimed the reward for his faithfulness, the mountain of Horeb. At eighty-five years old, Caleb is full of spunk and poised for battle. He dares ask for the high ground with strong cities and giants. At the age when many hoped to be retired, Caleb is ready to pick a fight with the biggest guys on the block.
Caleb isn’t suffering from geriatric delusions or relying on his own strength. Instead, he declares, “It may be that the Lord will be with me…to drive them out as the Lord said.” After forty-five years, Caleb still trusts God as his deliverer. Consider what impression Caleb would’ve had on the younger generation. They saw the value of faith, courage and tenacity regardless of the obstacle. And, they witnessed God’s faithfulness to His promises.
For some, growing older is a scary thought. But advanced age doesn’t mean reduced utility. Even if steps are shorter and strength weakened, seniors are living witnesses to the benefit of wisdom, experience and steadfastness. Seniors carry the responsibility to model the spiritual wherewithal and relentless drive to take on the mountains and giants facing our families, communities and beyond.
Caleb trusted God’s continued faithfulness to face down giants and built a legacy of faith, courage and tenacity. Regardless of our age, that same legacy stands ready to be claimed and modeled by those who dare trust God and tackle the mountains in our lives.
Lesson to Remember: Maturing in age carries a responsibility to model strength, wisdom and faith as the legacy for others to follow.
“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.”—Proverbs 16:31
