Scope out the land

Today: Joshua 12-15

Have you ever stood on something really tall--a mountain or a big building--and scoped out the land around you?

It's pretty incredible to see things from a different perspective. In this passage, there are a few references to scoping out land--God's people have conquered new territory and Joshua is actually distributing it to the various tribes and families. It may seem a bit dry at first compared to some passages...but think about its significance. It could be the equivalent of getting a lump sum check handed to you for retirement after 40 years of working...only the check doesn't represent money you saved or earned, but a gift promised to you and your family years ago. The moment you hold the check in your hands seems brief, but it represents so much to your life and what you've been waiting for.

Specifically, I really liked reading Caleb's words in this passage where he talks about his original trip to scope out the land:

"...I was forty years old

when Moses the servant of God sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land.

And I brought back an honest and accurate report.

My companions who went with me discouraged the people,

but I stuck to my guns, totally with God, my God.

That was the day that Moses solemnly promised,

'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance,

you and your children's, forever. Yes, you have lived totally for God.'

Now look at me: God has kept me alive, as he promised.

It is now forty-five years since God spoke this word to Moses,

years in which Israel wandered in the wilderness.

And here I am today, eighty-five years old!

I'm as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out.

I'm as strong as ever in battle, whether coming or going.

So give me this hill country that God promised me.

You yourself heard the report, that the Anakim were there with their great fortress cities.

If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said."

Wow. What an incredible story! (How many 85-year old warriors do you know?) Caleb's words illustrate God's faithfulness. I love his confidence in God and his commitment to Him.

I wonder what "scoping out the land" looks like in my life? In your life? Don't be afraid to dream about possibilities. It might seem overwhelming--there could be major hurdles or giant obstacles in your path (hopefully not literal giants like Caleb and Joshua saw!), but God's bigger than those obstacles. Instead of just scoping out land, someday you might actually live in it like Caleb--you might see a dream come true. But it starts with seeing things from a different perspective--God's perspective--and asking for His help.


(Psst...if you'd like to read more of my thoughts and God's Word about Caleb, check out this retro post called "Super Sidekicks" from my former blog. I remembered it today and thought you might enjoy it.)

Tomorrow: Joshua 16-18