Numbers 14:24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully… I. A servant of God, such as Caleb was, POSSESSES A GOOD CHARACTER. Character is not everything that is required to make one a good servant to an earthly master. But it is the first requisite. He has a good character, and a good character well attested. It was "the majesty in the heavens" who bore testimony concerning Caleb. This leads us from the fact to the source of the good character which the true servant of God possesses. This is revealed in these words of our text concerning Caleb, "He had another spirit with him." 1. The good servant of God has another spirit with his own spirit. He has the Spirit of God with him. 2. The good servant of God has another spirit with his old spirit. He who says, "I will put My Spirit within you," says, "A new heart also will I give you." II. A servant of God, such as Caleb was, RENDERS GOOD SERVICE. A good servant is one who can do good work. The special form of service to which Israel was called, and in which Caleb proved faithful, was that of war. This reminds us that the service of every follower of God is largely a cow, filet. But when he is of the type of Caleb, and acts in character, then — 1. Having full faith in his Leader, he is ready to follow him, and — 2. Having no fear of the enemy, he is ready to encounter him. III. A servant of God, such as Caleb was, RECEIVES A GOOD REWARD. The return made to a servant for his services may be of two kinds. He may receive a stipulated wage; but, in addition, his services may be acknowledged by special gifts. To this class of returns for service the rewards of God's servants belong. These may be according to the measure, but they do not rest on the ground of the servant's faith and obedience. They, are grounded on the gracious free-will of God. 1. The servant of God is blessed in himself. He receives blessings now, but greater blessings are in store for him. 2. The servant of God is blessed in his children. Not only Caleb, but his seed was to reap the fruits of faith and obedience. So in the spiritual sphere. "The promise is to you and to your children." These shall inherit the land which faithful parents possess. (A. Paterson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. |
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