Sunday: Faithfulness
Daily Lesson for Sunday 16th of November 2025
Read Numbers 13:6,30-32 and Joshua 14:6,14. Who was Caleb? What was his place among the people of Israel?
The name of Caleb comes from the Hebrew word keleb, “dog,” which occurs in the Old Testament, always in a negative context. However, keleb is used in extra-biblical letters and hymns to express a servant’s courage, tenacity, and faithfulness to his or her master. In this respect, Caleb was faithful to his name, demonstrating throughout his life unwavering loyalty to his Lord.
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What does it say about Caleb that he was willing to speak his mind even though the majority of the spies had a completely different opinion, and the people of Israel threatened him with death? See Numbers 14:6-10,21-25; Numbers 26:65; Numbers 32:12.
Consider these important Israelite leaders, contemporaries of Joshua and Caleb: Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, and Geuel. Do these names sound familiar?
Probably not.
Why? Because they are the names of the other ten spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. They are forgotten because their names were not worthy of being remembered. The report that they brought portrayed the Promised Land as impossible to conquer. They saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants who inhabited some areas of the land, and their hearts melted with fear at the “impregnable” walls of the fortified cities in Canaan.
Caleb, as the older of the two spies who brought a positive report, takes the lead in presenting another possibility: the attitude of faith. He was willing to speak up for what he knew was right, despite the opposition, even in the face of potential death: “And all the congregation said to stone them with stones” (Numbers 14:10, NKJV).
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What do you do when most people around you seem to have a different opinion, one that goes contrary to your deepest convictions? |
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The story of the twelve spies is well-known to most of us. After the spies had given their report, things got ugly, sides were formed, and stones were thrown. And in the end, the Lord led the people back into the wilderness for another 40 years of nomadic life, during which they all died, except Calab and Joshua. It is a lesson in persistence in the face of opposition we like to refer to even today when we are making big decisions that affect us both in our individual lives and as the corporate body of the church. And sometimes when we find ourselves in the minority, we like to label ourselves as similar to Joshua and Caleb in standing true to principle.
It begs the question; are we acting on faith or presumption? One lesson we can learn from the story of Joshua and Caleb is that sometimes it takes a long time to see the final answer, and you may not even be alive when it happens. We live in a world where quick answers are expected and few of us are willing to wait years or even leave it to our children and grandchildren to learn the answers.
Ignaz Semmelweis was a Hungarian physician who observed that mothers of newborn babies were more likely to die from sepsis attended by a physician in a hospital than those who birthed at home attended by a midwife. He was ridiculed for suggesting that the physicians were carrying disease on their hands into hospital and they were responsible for their deaths. He suggested that physicians should wash their hands in chloride of lime solution (Calcium hypochlorite for the scientists) before attending births. His work was only recognised posthumously and was vindicated by the later work of Pasteur and Lister.
The miracle of entering the Promised Land had to wait until the nation was ready to receive it. It was a generational thing. Caleb and Joshua were fortunate to witness the whole story, but that does not mean that the rest of the nation died without hope.
only those who were over 20 years old died
Thank you for this story, Brother Maurice.
Just as Mr. Ignaz Semmelweis give his report, God expects us to Stand, or Speak up for Him. We ought not remain silent in the face of opposition. We are to say what we have to say (In Christian Love) and let God do the rest. There are so many that want to Stand (or speak up), but they do not because of fear. We all have to remember that God's Word says, "Greater is He that is within me, than he that is in the world", 1 John 4:4 and "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear", first part of 1 John 4:18. This doesn't mean that we should go looking for trouble, but if we find ourselves in trouble for standing up for the Lord and His Word, then God will fight with us.
Thank you again for your wisdom.
God's blessings and mercy to us all!!
“Be faithful until death…”( Revelation 2:10)
What is Faithfulness in biblical terms?
In the Bible, faithfulness starts with God Himself. God is absolutely reliable, consistent, unchanging, and true to His promises. The character of God is steadfast and unwavering. God always keep His covenants. On the other hand, human faithfulness means remaining steadfastly loyal and committed to God. It also means being consistently obedient to God’s commands. This is an attribute of being reliable and trustworthy. This is the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus often spoke strongly about faithfulness. He praised the servant in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) for his faithfulness. Well done, good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21, 23). On another occasion, Jesus encouraged us to be faithful even in small things. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”( Luke 16:10). Jesus is “Faithful and True Witness” (Revelation 1:5; 19:11).
Caleb received a good report from God Himself. “He has followed Me fully.”(Numbers 14:24). From him, we can pick a few practical lessons to help us practice our faith in our current time.
1. Faithfulness is standing with God even when you stand alone. We should be prepared to hold to the biblical truth even when culture, colleagues, or even fellow believers say otherwise.
2. Faithfulness demands patience and holding to God’s promises. Caleb waited for 45 years before God’s promise was manifested (Joshua 14:10). We, too, have been called to wait patiently for God to come through for us.
3. Caleb exhibited exemplary spirit of courage, knowing that God is able in all circumstances. Even at the age of 85, he requested his inheritance of the hill country while still occupied by giants (Joshua 14:12). We, too, should face our “giants” with confidence, knowing that God is greater.
4. Faith in God provides great inspiration. “I am as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me.”(Joshua 14:11). Faith in God renews our courage, strength and hope.
Faithfulness is critical in the life of a believer because it is the foundation of a genuine relationship with God.
After the adverse report by majority of the spies, fear struck and spread like an infection in the congregation, the terror and unbelief was now at the the peak, their trust in God dimished to the lowest at this point. It is true the 10 spies saw scary things and lost sight of God faithfulness, they lost sight of God dealings with them including regular provisions at their point of lack...they gave an adverse report causing panic and spreading fear against God wish. Caleb saw scary things too but his report was based on what God had done before. At that moment the children of Israel trembled based on the report of majority of the spies. However, Caleb stood as a striking contrast: firm, unwavering, and anchored in God’s promises. When the ten spies filled Israel with fear through their discouraging report, the people quickly forgot God’s mighty acts and doubted His character (Num. 14:1–3). Yet Caleb refused to be swept up in this wave of unbelief. Instead, he held to what God had already declared, boldly urging the people, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). His strength came not from what he saw, but from whom he trusted.
Because of this, God Himself testified about Caleb’s faithfulness. While the rest of Israel rebelled, God said that Caleb had “a different spirit” and had “followed Me fully” (Num. 14:24). In a moment when fear dominated the hearts of thousands, Caleb stood almost alone, confident that God would accomplish what He promised. His faith was not shaken by fortified cities or giants, because he viewed every obstacle through the lens of God’s power. For this reason, God pledged that Caleb would indeed enter the Promised Land and inherit the very region he explored. Decades later, Caleb’s faith had not faded but grown stronger. At 85 years old, he approached Joshua and reminded him of God’s promises, saying with the same boldness, “Give me this mountain” (Josh. 14:12). He still believed God would help him defeat the giants who remained in the land. Caleb’s long-lasting trust shows that genuine faith is not momentary, it is a lifelong commitment to believe God’s Word above circumstances. His example calls believers today to reject fear, embrace God’s promises, and follow Him fully, even when the world around them yields to doubt.
Indeed this is eye opening and thanks for the comments. Faithfulness well explained. May Good give us the faith that was in Caleb
Joshua and Caleb, scripture tells us, wholly followed the Lord. What an example for us as we live this life. The noise is so great of wrong doers. They occupied prominent spaces and places wherever we go and sometimes as Christians we cower and lose our voices to say what's right. In spite of the noise, we are encouraged to speak the truth, speak it clearly, cost it what it will.
Whenever we follow Christ, we know that victory is always assured for right never loses and wrong never wins
Standing in faithfulness to God may get you ridiculed and be rejected by those around you. It may mean the church continues on the same path and a whole generation with faithless ideals may have to die before the promise of God is fulfilled and brought forward. But even in those instances we are called to stand firm and reveal what God has shown us. Like Caleb we must bring a good report and highlight the power of God and His ability to do what He says He will, even when the majority doubts
Caleb's life teaches us that faithfulness doesn't have to be popular or in line with the prevailing thought of the day, it only needs to be anchored in Jesus!!!!
Hebrews ch 3 and 4 attributes the failure of Israel to enter into the promised land because of unbelief...The writer then cautions us to fear "lest a promise being left us of entering into His rest any of us seem to come short of it." The gospel was preached unto them as well as unto us but the gospel preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Israel did not believe in the power of God to deliver from all the power of the enemy. Do we today believe in the power of God to deliver from all the power of the enemy?
When I'm hiking up a mountain, I look for the colorful blazes painted on trees to keep me on the right path. Up above the treeline, the guiding waymarks often change to tall cairns. For those who may be unfamiliar, cairns are stone pillars built by previous hikers who have set one stone upon another. It's harder to see the path above treeline where it all looks like one big bald rock, so these towers are really helpful; scanning ahead it's a relief to see one rising up in the distance. They can look almost human, standing there tall and strong in the right place, along the path that leads to the summit.
"Giants of faith" are like cairns, to me. On my walk with the Lord, especially as I grow and the spiritual challenges get harder, I am very grateful to those who have walked with the Lord longer than me, and/or who have a deeper faith than my own. They're showing how God's Word written 1000's of years ago can be applied today...demonstrating what a faith-filled life can look like. I need to see that contrast - God-seeking vs. self-seeking - to stay on the trail of God-seeking.
I'm thinking of one "pillar" in particular who for me models humility - quick to be sensitive to how his words may affect others, constantly seeking opportunity to pray over me and for me, faithfully pointing upwards by sending encouraging messages at just the right time with the phrase "you are precious to Jesus", energetically preaching present truth from the Word of God (he is a pastor), and modeling servant behavior in his own life. Just like Caleb and Joshua, I can see how his faith changes the atmosphere of the churches he leads. God's Spirit in us can bring hope and vibrancy as we speak in firm, clear, positive tones about what God is able to do in us and for us....our faith can bring others to Jesus.
One quick final thought contrasting the attitudes of the 12 spies. The 10 spies brought panic because they were looking at themselves and comparing themselves to the giants. The 2 faithful spies brought/offered confidence and peace because they were looking at God and comparing God to the giants.
One issue that often comes up but largely gets ignored is that of spiritual gifts. The bible mentions the gifts of healing, miracles, etc. If someone gets sick in church while the worship service is in progress, what should we do? Should we call the emergency personnel, and speedily have the individual sent for medical treatment, or should we stop the service and call on the Holy Spirit to choose on whom, and how he wants to manifest his spiritual gift of healing and miracles, so that all will believe on his power?
The spies who reported that the land had giants and fortified cities were not lying or making up stories,they were correct. The issue was, they didn't believe that God will fight the battle for them. Do we really believe that God can handle our problems, or do we rely on what looks humanly possible?
Can the word ‘faithfulness’ be described as ‘spiritual oneness with God’? I can see using the word ‘loyalty’ as appropriate to describe a type of ‘faithfulness’ between equals in the human realm. But when describing the relationship God has with His children, ‘faithfulness’ becomes a spiritual state of being – John 10:30.
I see ‘faithfulness’ to be a ’wrap-around-word' describing our spiritual state of 'oneness' in Jesus Christ'; it cannot come from ‘self’. Though not yet the perfect state, ‘being faithful’ is a downpayment from the Holy Spirit through which man experiences ‘Oneness’ with our heavenly Father – John 17:21-23.
Caleb and Joshua experienced ‘faithfulness’ – Oneness in the Spirit of God; the other spies did not. The Holy Spirit works within us to draw us ever closer to experience God through true ‘faithfulness’ – establishing ‘oneness’ with the Father and His Son, our Lord Christ Jesus in Spirit. May we always readily engage in our ‘Walk of Life by Faith’ – being and remaining faithful</b! 1 Cor.6:17.
This question we should try to answer, especially today when "politically correct" rules. A lot of what we say today, to a large cross-section, is because of fear of being isolated. Truths suffer in the long run during these self-preservation days as a lot go unaddressed. What do we do when a church leader we so much love is caught in an infidelity ring? Unfortunately, the answer would be, "it depends who the victim is". Unfortunately, today in such a case, the truth will be shunned because of the repercussions. Most would fear the sort of mob-lynching that results from the truth.
How well can we stand for the truth even if everybody else wants a different truth? That's how Caleb handled a similar matter (Numbers 13-14). What about us today? Can we stand for what's right, even if it's uncomfortable?
In Brazilian Portuguese, there is a saying: “Mary goes with anyone,” meaning that some people’s opinions always align with the majority. Regardless of what many think, the Truth remains the Truth!
The story of the 12 spies highlights the importance of faithfulness in God’s plan. Though all were chosen, only Caleb and Joshua showed unwavering trust in God’s promises, standing firm despite opposition and fear. Caleb’s name, meaning “dog,” reflects his tenacity and loyalty qualities he demonstrated by boldly speaking the truth even when threatened with death. This teaches us that true faithfulness means remaining loyal to God’s vision, no matter the cost.
The other ten spies are forgotten because their fearful report showed a lack of trust. God honors faithfulness over mere position.
When Joshua chose the two spies to enter Jericho, he was guided by the Spirit and focused on a mission that included winning souls, like Rahab and her family. Faithfulness, therefore, is not just belief but active obedience aimed at God’s purpose.
This story challenges us to trust God, stand firm in faith, and act courageously even against the crowd knowing that faithful hearts carry God’s victory.
"He (Caleb) was willing to speak up for what he knew was right, despite the opposition, even in the face of potential death:"
This is what God expects us, His children of Faith, to do as we live our lives today.
As I told one of my friends last week, I'm willing to be silent in the church (long story), EXCEPT, when it comes to the WORD OF GOD. I will Stand up for, and Speak up for, the Word of God, believing with my whole heart that God will give me the strength to do so. I will not allow willful Errors of God's Word to creep into the House of God, not in my Presence (not on my Watch). I will challenge and defend God's Word, no matter who I come up against.
We all have to be Strong and Courageous as Caleb and Joshua, and many of the other Patriarchs and Prophets, and Kings. There will be many battles to be fought, but God will be with us every step of the way.
God's Blessing to you all!!