Caleb: "All-Heart"

Scripture: Numbers 13:26-33, 14:1-10

Sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore
by Pastor Dr Paul Choo
on 26 July 1998

Introduction: Only two men, Caleb and Joshua, stood out among the millions of Israelites that were brought out of Egypt. The statement "save (except) Caleb" occurs many times in the bible (Numbers 14:30, 26:65, 32:12, Deuteronomy 1:36). The name Caleb has two meanings. It means "a dog" and "all heart". It is unlikely that his father intended to call his son a "dog"; therefore, he was most likely called "All-heart". God confirmed that this was a most appropriate name (Numbers 14:24 "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me faithfully…" see also Numbers 32:12).

Though "dog" is often used contemptuously in the Bible, dogs are noted for their loyalty and their love to their masters. They are indeed man's best friends. In the midst of cowardice and unfaithfulness, Caleb and Joshua were indeed God's best friends. In this age of Christian lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-19), may we be whole-hearted Christians (Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.") The following four things evidence a whole-hearted Christianity.

(a) Universal obedience: Caleb was not only willing to be one of the leaders of Israel (Numbers 13:3), enjoying the privileges of prestige and power but he was also willing to go on the difficult and risky forty-day spy mission into enemy territory (Numbers 13:17). Today's Christians practise "selective obedience" obeying, what is easy and ignoring what is difficult and unpleasant.

Most Christians obey God's command to gather together for Sunday worship but ignore the command to separate from worldliness, be witnesses of the Gospel, contend for the faith and serve the LORD whole-heartedly. "Selective obedience" is disobedience. When we choose what to obey, we are effectively telling God that we are His masters and have the right to decide for ourselves. Such people do not understand the meaning of obedience. Universal obedience is the "width" of whole-heartedness.

(b) Willingness to pay the price: Some Christians are willing to obey all of God's commandments - as long as it does not cost them too much. They will share the Gospel as long as it does not involve too much loss of face. They are willing to give or serve in any ministry as long as it does not demand too much sacrifice or effort. They are willing to separate from ungodliness and contend for the faith as long as it does not cost them the loss of friends. Caleb was willing to honour God though he was outnumbered: two (Joshua and him) to many millions and even to the point of being stoned to death (Numbers 14:10).

Christians who calculate the cost of their giving and service to God do not understand the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary nor do they understand the sufficiency of God's grace to supply their needs (Philippians 4:19). If they do, they will never fear that they will over-give to Him. Willingness to pay the price is the "depth" of whole-heartedness.

(c) Cheerfulness: Some Christians understand the need for universal obedience and sacrifice but do so with a lack of willingness and cheerfulness. They usually say, "See if you can get someone else to do it. If not, I will do it". Caleb eagerly sought permission to conquer a piece of the land that God had promised to give them (Joshua 14:12). Though all other Israelites had avoided this difficult task of conquering the Anakims, Caleb sought to do it. He counted it the greatest honour and privilege to serve God and knew that it was the world's most profitable "business" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Christians who lack zeal to serve God are those who are ignorant of these things. They are those who hope to obtain their reward from men and therefore perceive serving God as a "thankless" task. Cheerfulness is the "energy" of whole-heartedness.

(d) Perseverance: Many Christians start well but some fizzle out because they feel that they have done enough and that it is time to leave the ministry to others or take on easier ministries. Caleb, at the age of eighty-five, was still as zealous as he was in his youth (Joshua 14:12, 15:14). He did not believe in going into retirement, or semi-retirement. He obviously was sure of his eternal heavenly rest and knew that till then he was to "redeem the time" (Ephesians 5:16) serving God whole-heartedly.

Christians who look forward to retirement from serving God obviously have lost sight of heaven. Perseverance is the "duration" of whole- heartedness.

Conclusion: Everyone, except Joshua and Caleb, in that generation died without ever seeing the Promised Land. Though they were God's people, they never enjoyed what He had prepared for them because of their lack of whole-heartedness in following Him. Sin separates us from God. The sin of half-heartedness makes us distrust God and leads to disobedience and its consequences. It also blinds us to God's promises, presence and comforts. Joshua and Caleb stood out among their people, being at least twenty years older than any other and being greatly respected as heroes of faith. May we stand out in this lukewarm generation. Caleb also passed on his whole-heartedness to his children (Joshua 15:16-20). May we leave this legacy to our children.

Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men!