Like Father, Like Daughter

I think we’re all probably familiar with the story of Caleb in the Bible. He and Joshua were the two spies among the twelve who were confident they could take the land of Canaan despite the giants in the land. Of course, they were overruled, which led to a forty-year-long detour through the wilderness.

After all the wandering was done and the lands were divided up among the tribes, Caleb steps up to Joshua and asks for the land that was promised to him. He had been faithful and trusted the Lord, and now, at the ripe old age of 85, he wanted what was his. So, without hesitation, he strode up to Joshua and requested it.

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. - Joshua 14:12-13

It’s a great story, but it’s not over yet. If we continue reading the next chapter, we’ll see how Caleb’s determination and forthright attitude is passed down to his daughter, Achsah. After asking for the mountain, Caleb had his work cut out for him. He didn’t ask for an easy job. He took the mountain, knowing it was still full of enemies. But, he cast them out one by one. At one point, he offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man who could drive out the people of Kirjathsepher. His brother, Othniel, accepted the challenge, and the wedding took place.

And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou? Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs. - Joshua 15:18-19

Evidently, the south land was part of Achsah’s dowry, but she wasn’t satisfied for some reason. Maybe she knew the land didn’t have enough water. I don’t know. But instead of settling for less, she approached her father just as he had approached Joshua all those years ago. He had declared, “Give me this mountain.” Achsah said, “Give me also springs of water.” And Caleb honored her request in abundance. He didn’t scold her for being selfish or excessive. He didn’t criticize her for coming to him boldly. No, I think he saw a bit of himself in his daughter and was proud of the woman she had become.

Friends, we have a Father who longs for us to be like Him. He also wants us to know that we can come boldly to Him with our requests. Sometimes we feel like our wants are too menial to take before the throne, while other times, our problems seem too colossal to be solved by prayer. But whatever it is, God wants to hear from us. He loves it when we talk with Him. He’s proud of us when we boldly place our wants and needs before Him. And just like Caleb, He blesses us in abundance.

I don’t know what’s on your heart and mind today, but God longs to hear all about it. Nothing is too big or small.  God wants to give us His very best, and we shouldn’t settle for anything less.  As the old hymn declares, “Tell it to Jesus alone!”