Last week we began a new series 'Never Too Old for Purpose,' and our objective is to examine people in the Bible who had purpose in their later years. In our first entry, we looked at Caleb who was 85 years old when he said to Joshua his comrade,
"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" (Joshua 14:12).
Caleb had waited 45 years for his promise from God to be fulfilled and the day had finally arrived. Yet Caleb wasn't looking for a handout. He didn't demand special privileges because of his age or history with the people. He simply asked, clearly and without any reservation, for the portion of his land inheritance.
What's more, Caleb didn't expect his portion to be handed to him. He declared that once he was given the go ahead, he was willing to fight for the right to live there. Technically and legally the land was his, but he knew he had to pay a price to realize and enjoy it to the fullest:
In accordance with the Lord’s command to him, Joshua gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion in Judah—Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites—Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage (Joshua 15:13-17).
After God made good on His promise, Caleb did on his as well and went to work to secure what he had coming to him. Of course all that happened as a lesson and model for you and me.
As i write this, I'm 74 years old. I have personally written 90 books and have published more than 100 for other authors through my publishing company. This year, we rebranded and re-dedicated the publishing company to the Lord. Our new goal is to publish 1,000 book projects while I have the strength and ability. That will require that I stay focused and trust God for the energy and health to do so. As I commit to this goal, I know it won't be without challenges, but I remember what Paul wrote:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:10-12).
Are you ready to be strong in His power and fight for what God has for you? What is your big goal for your latter years? Do you have one? Do you think it's possible to be productive like Caleb or are you destined to failing health in your old age? For 45 years, Caleb looked forward to what the Lord had for him and he eventually not only saw it, but also fought for the right to enter in. I urge you to know what's ahead for you and to do just like he did—stay strong and keep on fighting with all the wisdom your years have equipped you to have. Have a blessed week!
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