Whole-heartedness. Single-mindedness. Persistence. Stick-to-it-iveness. Loyalty. Commitment. Full devotion to the cause. Uncompromising faith. Such qualities distinguished only two of an entire Israelite generation. These persevered in faith to possess their inheritance in the promised land. While others adulterated God's promise with their doubts and fears, Joshua and Caleb mixed faith with the promises and 'wholly followed the Lord.'

Five times in the Bible we have the expression: 'whole-heartedly following the Lord'. On one occasion it is used to describe both Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 32:12). The other four times it refers to Caleb alone (Deuteronomy 1:36, Joshua 14:8,9,14).

The name 'Caleb' is derived from 'kehleb' meaning 'dog'. The dog is often referred to as man's best friend, because it delights in and is loyal to its master. More than any other domesticated animal, a dog bonds with its master and serves as defender. Notice some of the qualities of a dog that were found in Caleb and can be found in whole hearted followers of Christ:

TENACIOUS- The persistence and determination found in a dog has given birth to the expression 'dogged' which means 'tenacious'. Try taking a bone away from a dog. You can't dissuade a disciple from his or her commitment to the Master.

WAITING- A dog waits for his Master's call. He waits for the Master's scent. His faculties of discerning His Master's presence are finely tuned.

TRAILING- The word 'dog' is sometimes used as a verb meaning 'to track or trail persistently' "A stranger then is still dogging us" (Arthur Conan Doyle). The objective of a disciple is to promptly follow his Master's lead and obey His commands.

TRUSTING- When the spies were sent into the land, Caleb's mind was so full of God's promise and the reality that corresponded to it, that he gave no place to the evil report of unbelief. If God said He was going to give them the land, Caleb expected just that.

PERCEPTIVE- Caleb's perception was positively influenced by God's Word. The giants were seen as a problem to the other spies. While others were dominated by their negative perception of circumstances, Caleb saw the positive. The giants were named Anakims, meaning 'long necked'. Caleb's peers were intimidated by the fact that the long necks made their enemies loom large and tall. Caleb saw the 'long necks' as easy unprotected targets! Caleb's friends saw a problem in every opportunity. Caleb saw an opportunity in every problem. Would we be so alert as to see how easily our giant problems can be decapitated! While the others focused on how they appeared to the enemies (as grasshoppers), Caleb focused on how the enemy looked to God (as good as defeated).

A DEFENDER- A dog yelps in defense of His Master. When the ten spies gave their defeatist reports that disheartened the nation of Israel, Caleb came to His Master's defense: "Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'" (Numbers 13:30). He was an encourager. When others were saying that the inhabitants of the land would swallow them up, Caleb was saying "Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." In other words, "We'll have them for lunch!" (Numbers 14:9, MacAdam paraphrase).

DESPISED AND REJECTED- In many parts of the world, dogs are often despised, taking the brunt of sticks and stones. The expression, 'gone to the dogs' means that something has gone to ruins and is to be despised and rejected. The whole assembly of Israel talked about stoning Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:10). Their true Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, was despised, rejected, and endured the cross of suffering and shame, out of loving loyalty to His Master and for us.

VIGOROUS- Dogs are often full of energy. They are excited about going out for an adventure with the Master. Caleb was as strong at eighty-five as he was when he was forty. He was just as eager to go out and battle for the Lord as an older man as he was in his youth! (Joshua 14:10-11).

CLAIMS THEIR TERRITORY- When Caleb entered the promised land, he did not beg for his inheritance. He claimed it on the basis of God's promise! "Give me this mountain!" he said. He knew that God would accomplish His will and enable him to fully drive out the enemy. Caleb inherited the city of Hebron (fellowship) formerly called Kiriath Arba (City of the Four Giants or the City of Arba, the ancestor of the Anakim people-Joshua 14:15; 15:13; 21:11). May God give us the faith to claim what is promised in His word. We too can rename and reclaim our cities.

In Dogged Pursuit,