Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 22, 2023: SOAP #4856: Joshua 12-14; 1Corinthians 7

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua (NIV) 14:10 “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old!  11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there, and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”  13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.

OBSERVATION:  Caleb had previously been in the promised land as one of the 12 spies sent in by Moses.  Ten of the spies brought back a message that caused fear in the hearts of the Israelites.  Joshua and Caleb spoke of God’s promises.  Moses made a promise to Caleb that he would inherit the land where the spies had traveled.  Now, after 40 years of wondering in the wilderness until that generation died, God had brought them in and had given them victory.  The land was being divided; Caleb takes the promise to Joshua. 

At 85, one would think that Caleb’s fighting days were over.  But Caleb remembered what God had said through Moses.  And he knew he could count on the “Promise Maker” to be a “Promise Keeper!”

Caleb had seen God at work in the battles the Israelites had fought in approaching the Promised Land, and in taking possession.  God was clearly fighting for the Israelites!   Caleb knew that same God would be helping him!  

APPLICATION:  I am only 75, but what difference does age make!  Caleb’s helper is Leon’s helper!   He can lift me above my troubles.  He makes all things work together for my good!   He can even make my mistakes work together for my good and for God’s glory. 

PRAYER:   Lord, raise up an army of senior citizens who will accept an impossible challenge and believe that God, as their helper, will take them to victory!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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