Joshua 14

The Explanation

It was a warm day. The sun shone on the tents of Israel.

The people had walked and walked. For years and years. Through sand and stones and dry, dusty land. But now they were here. In the new land that God had promised them.

Joshua stood in the middle of the people. He was the leader. And today was a big day. Today the land would be shared out.

This piece for you. And this piece for you. A hill with olive trees. A valley with grass for the sheep. Everyone got a place. A home.

Then an old man came walking. Step by step. His hair was white as wool. His name was Caleb.

What Does This Mean?

Caleb stood in front of Joshua. And Caleb began to tell.

"Joshua," he said, "do you remember? Long, long ago. We were young then. We went to look at this land together. We saw the big grapes. We saw the tall walls."

"The others were scared," said Caleb. "So scared their hearts melted like butter. But I said: God will help us."

Caleb was quiet for a moment. Then he smiled.

"I am eighty-five years old today," he said. "God kept me alive all those years. Forty-five years of walking in the desert. And look at me. I am still strong."

And then Caleb said something very brave.

"Give me the mountains. Up there live big, tall men. Giants. With high walls around their city. But God is with me. God said I could have that land. So I will go."

The Common Thread

Joshua looked at the old man with the white hair.

And Joshua smiled. He put his hands on Caleb's head. He blessed him. "Yes, Caleb," he said. "The mountains are for you. And for your children. And for their children."

The mountain place was called Hebron. It became Caleb's home.

Caleb walked away, up the hill. He was not scared. Because God had said something, long ago. And God had not forgotten it. Not one single day.

God keeps his promises. Always.

God said to Adam and to Abraham and to Caleb: I will not let you go. And later God sent Jesus. Jesus came to bring us home too, to a place with God. God still remembers that. Every day.

Then it was quiet in the land. No more fighting. Everybody slept safe in their own tent.

For You

You have a place too. Maybe a bed with a soft blanket. Maybe a chair at the table that is just yours.

God gave you that. And God knows your name, just like he knew Caleb's name.

Sometimes something is scary. A dark room. A big dog. A day when Mama is not there.

Then you may whisper what Caleb knew: God is with me.

Are you ever scared? What are you scared of? You can say it out loud right now.

Talk About It

Caleb was very, very old, but he was still brave. Who is the oldest person you know?

What is the nicest place in your house? Why?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank you for my home.

Thank you that you know my name.

When I am scared, please be close.

Amen.