Randy Wray's Blog

There are two biblical characters that I really identify with. First, is the young Peter.  I just hope I grow into being the older Peter. Second (who I want to be as a leader) is Caleb.

His story both inspires and challenges me on a personal and spiritual leadership level.  If you’re up for some good end of year, start the next reading, take a look at Numbers 13-14 and Joshua 14).

Here are the fill in the blank items from yesterday’s message notes (and some commentary):

• Faith is not trying to believe something regardless of the EVIDENCE.

• Faith is daring to believe and do the right thing regardless of the CONSEQUENCES.

Caleb was a man of great faith because he resolved to do the right thing regardless of the consequences.

• At a time of frustration and discouragement God decides to give the people a GLIMPSE of the promised land.

Notice the difference between what God said to Moses and what Moses said to the recon team (Numbers 13:2; Numbers 13:17-20).

The point is all that stuff didn’t matter IF God was telling them to go!

• It’s wrong (and foolish) to assume that God is sending only if the journey is EASY and the task requires minimal EFFORT.

We know what happens when the recon team comes back based on the song (sing-a-long “10 were bad and 2 were good!).

• The failure of people, to remember God’s promise, was a failure in FAITH.

Caleb draws a line in the sand – a line that only Joshua is willing to cross.  He said:

“The land we explored is very good.  If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land and give us that fertile land.  Don’t turn against the LORD! Don’t be afraid of the people in that land! We will chew them up. They have no protection, but the LORD is with us. So don’t be afraid of them.”

• In the face of difficulty and challenge the people want to QUIT.

In essence they are saying:  “Take us where we want to go not where God needs us to go.”

• For now Caleb must trust and WAIT for God to make good on his promise.
• For Caleb, neither the MOUNTAINS or the GIANTS could get any bigger.

Based on the leadership of Caleb and the experience of the children of Israel I told the church that we had three choices (as I see it):

• We can QUIT.

We can “go back to Egypt.”  We can give up trying to advance forward and choose to “die with our forefathers.”  So great was their desire to go back and die as slaves they were ready to kill Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. Something that would have happened had the glory of the Lord not descended!

• We can CAMP.

We can decide we’ve gone far enough.  We can capture this moment in time and stay where it’s comfortable, and predictable. We can count our accomplishments, set up our perimeters and defend our walls.  It’s what Rueben and Gad wanted to do. (Numbers 32)

Or, like Caleb . . .

• We can CLIMB!

We can resolve to take the mountain and slay some giants along the way!

We’ve had a rough 2008 and 2009 doesn’t promise to be any easier. Just because “all is calm” does not necessarily mean “all is right.”   The worst kind of leader is the one who caters to fear.  The best kind of leader is one who creates faith. Even when all the people have chosen a rock to throw at you, someone has to stand up and say “it’s time to climb!”