MODELS OF IMPACT IN OLD AGE (4)

“As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war” – Joshua 14: 11a

Joshua and Caleb were a Faith Duo and MODELS of IMPACT in OLD AGE: “And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said” (Jos.14:10-12). Age did not diminish Caleb’s fervor!

Caleb showed unwavering faith, unwaning strength, and passion to serve God. Despite being 85 years old, he remained bold, courageous, and confident in faith, declaring that he was as strong as he was 45 years prior, ready for battle and the challenges of securing his inheritance. His request for Hebron shows his enduring faith in God's promise, even after 45 years since the initial scouting of the land. He didn’t seek an easy retirement, but vigorously sought to fulfill purpose, to conquer and possess his promised portion. His story highlights the value of perseverance and a continued commitment to God's Will throughout life.

Forty-five years earlier, in the midst of tales of terror, fear and unbelief from the ten spies, Joshau and Caleb stood firm, looking through the lenses of faith (Num.13:30; Num.14: 7-9). The ten spies didn’t even mention the Lord, only what they had seen that terrified them (Num.13:31-33). Joshua’s secret was practising God’s Word – meditating on, confessing, declaring, and doing the Word (Jos.1:8). God testified: "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it" (Num. 14:24). Joshua walked by the same Faith!

The faith and courage of the two inspired the Israelites, signifying that even in old age, one can make a significant impact by remaining faithful in service. God rewarded wholehearted faithfulness by granting Caleb the land and fulfilling the promise made to him years earlier. These models should encourage us who believe to keep hope alive, faith ablaze, pursue God's Will, and make a positive impact regardless of age. We can finish strong in faith, glorifying God and encouraging others.