A Different Spirit - Numbers 13 & 14; Joshua 1:1-11

“…my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly…” (Numbers 14:24)

In an unpredictable world, our attitudes determine our responses.  Attitudes are the result of our core beliefs, the fruit of our faith.  At the end of their wilderness wanderings, the Israelites sent spies to report on whether the Promised Land was a likely prospect given their military strength.  The report was not encouraging: “no way”.  But two spies dissented.  Caleb and Joshua thought differently.  Their attitudes were not earthly, but heavenly.  With God’s perspective, everything good always looks do-able.

A generation later, Joshua and Caleb would be the only men amongst the Israelites who had left Egypt, who would then enter the Promised Land.  Joshua was to lead the charge and reclaim the land given to the Israelites by God as their inheritance.  He couldn’t do it on his own.  God promised to provide him everything he’d need if he gave God all the skill, faith, strength and courage he had.

If you don’t feel ready or able to serve LOVE and follow his call on your life, then you’re in very good company.  The same has been true for nearly every positive character in the great story of LOVE’s people throughout the Bible.  The beginning and end of our call is not the greatness of our name but the greatness of LOVE’s name.

Let’s confess our sense of inadequacy and reluctance to LOVE today in prayer, asking for the courage to pursue his call nonetheless.  Let’s ask LOVE to set us ablaze with the Holy Spirit so that others might see and know that LOVE is good (Psalm 145:12).

“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.” (Joshua 1:9).