First, Caleb was quick to plant encouraging words of faith (25-30). God showed the spies a wonderful land, full of resources. Nobody could deny it. Everything God had promised them was true. The land was indeed the land of milk and honey. But there were some fortified cities and strong people. The people knew that it wasn't going to be easy and they began to grumble. Caleb saw what was happening and he was very proactive. He quickly steered the conversation in the right direction, towards faith in God and obedience to his word. Caleb glorified God at the right time. Second, there were ten spies filled with unbelief (21-33). As a result, their hearts were captured by fear. Their minds drifted towards dark places that were filled with doubt, pessimism and rebellion towards the Lord. It is because they took their eyes off of God and his promises. If only they had the faith of Caleb to see that God was with them and that all they had to do is embrace faith, trust the Lord and enter the land at God's command.
Application: Lord, show me your will and help me to speak words of encouragement at the right time.
One Word: Encourage others in light of the truth