Joshua 15 The Allotment for Judah

Caleb's reward was allocated in the midst of Judah's allotment. There is a contrast between Caleb and his people and  Judah and its people. The main issue here is that Judah was not able to drive out the inhabitants of her land: the Jebusites. Just like the Anakim in the land given to Caleb (Hebron), the Jebusites were Canaanites - pagan polytheists who refused the God of Israel. But Caleb worked to drive the Anakim out and Judah did not.

Caleb was an exemplary warrior. He took his mission very seriously and did not settle half way. He devoted all of his life to the conquest of the promised land. When he took his portion as his reward, he had to fight the remnants of the Anakim (the giants of the land) to be able to enjoy his reward. In contrast, the people of Judah settled into their land (Jerusalem) and encountered the Jebusites, but could not drive them out of the land. Unfortunately, they coexisted in Jerusalem for many years. In light of God's command to take the land and drive out the enemy, Judah was complacent, lazy, even disobedient. Probably tired from previous campaigns.

My call is very much like Caleb's. I am to wage the battle of faith. It is a battle against sin, Satan, and the institutions of this world that stand against God. The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth requires that I continue to fight. I cannot settle here and become complacent coexisting with God's enemies.  I must make every effort to drive the enemies out of the land. Am I giving it all it takes? Or am I becoming complacent with sin?

It is interesting to note that Caleb not only fought with all his might, but also granted many incentives for others to follow him. (He offered his daughter as a prize for conquering other Anakim. ) I should take the example of Caleb seriously and become an example to others myself. I must take great pains to give incentives to others to engage in the battle of faith as well. There is nothing more important than the establishment of God's kingdom upon earth, beginning with my own heart.

Lord, give me the strength to continue to wage the battle of faith. Revive my heart to follow you. Rekindle the flame of my passion for your kingdom. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!