Keeping the Faith; Never losing Hope; Always Loving

Numbers 13:30

S—But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let’s go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”

H—As the spies return from looking at the land most of them don’t think there is any way they can conquer the land.  They all agree that the land is great; its filled with “milk and honey” but they don’t believe they can conquer the land.  However, Caleb is confident; Caleb believes that they can overcome the land.  What is the difference between Caleb (and Joshua) and the other spies?  Is Caleb insane?  Is Caleb drunk on the idea and needs to have a reality check?  Is Caleb acting to quickly and just not as mature as the others?  Or does Caleb believe in the promises of God?

A—We are taught to be great risk managers from the time we are small and as we grow older we only become better at risk managing by taking on less and less risk.  We learn to play it safe; its in our DNA.  I admit that I think this risk management comes from a desire to be a good steward with our lives and those around us; however, this risk management can and often is in direct conflict with the way of Jesus.  Often when we play it safe we are saying no to the land Jesus is trying to give us.  In fact, if the actions of our lives don’t require the presence of Jesus to show up for it to be a success then we are joining the other spies and going against Caleb’s claim to “go into the land and conquer.”  What in my (your) life is happening right now that if Jesus doesn’t show up its all going to fall apart?  If I (you) don’t have an answer to that question then I am joining the others in telling Caleb to settle down and to come back to reality because we can’t take the land.

P—Lord, I want to thank you for Caleb’s life and his willingness to step out in faith and put your name on the line.  I want to thank you for his willingness to take on a task that would require your presence to show up for it to be a success.  Jesus, I desire to live a life not based upon my own abilities but I desire a life where it requires your presence for it to be a success.  I desire to belong to a church that takes on a vision and mission that requires your presence; I thank God that Crossroads is that kind of place.  Please protect us from ourselves and any temptation to be risk managers but empower us to take the mantle of Caleb and to conquer the land you are giving us.  Amen.

E—I am more then a conqueror through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Peace from Pastor P

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