I am inspired by people who do wonderful things for God. I am truly inspired when someone does wonderful things for God over time. A consistent warrior for God is a wonder to behold. In our reading today, Caleb is that warrior. You can't help but both chuckle and rejoice at Caleb's statement in Joshua 14:11-12. He comes to Joshua and reminds him that the two of them were two of the twelve spies who spied out the land 45 years prior. He reminds Joshua that they came back with a great report and Moses had promised that Caleb would get a portion of the land for that positive step of faith in his youth. He must have dreamed about this for the past 45 years as his friends and family died for their disobedience during the wilderness wanderings. But now it was time! He was ready to claim his prize. He stood for God and had waited for his reward. I think if I was Caleb I would have selected a peaceful little piece of ground near a running stream that had a great view. Something I could "retire" into with little or no effort. After all, I would have earned it that past 45 years. But, that is not what warriors for God do. In 14:12 he asked Joshua for permission to attack the "hill" country where the giants from the people of the Anakim live (Goliath would come from this group). In 15:14 we read he drove out three giants. Caleb doesn't slow down in his old age. He stays true to his character and looks to finish strong. His faith in God has strengthened through the years and he is anxious to have God lead him once more into battle. Caleb should be an inspiration for us in our "retirement-is-my-only-goal" society. Caleb isn't looking for retirement, he is looking for another battle to claim for God. And, he claims it and inspires his daughter in the process (15:19). We will never be an inspiration to the generation behind us if we can't aspire to be like the generation that proceeded us.
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