EIGHTY NOT OUT

Arthur Wilson

Bro. Arthur gave this message on his 80th birthday. Seventeen month's later the Lord took him home.

Joshua 14:6-13, Caleb is here reminding Joshua of Moses' promise to give Hebron to him for an inheritance (v. 9). Caleb when 40 years old was sent to spy out the land of Canaan. He went with another man of faith - Joshua - and brought back a good report of this good land. They brought back a huge bunch of grapes carried by two men on a pole. (Num. 13:23). They were also 40 days spying. (Num. 13:25). 40 is a testing number and Caleb and Joshua came through the tests TRIUMPHANT! The other ten miseries did not enter the promised land because of their unbelief. (Num. 13:31-33; 14:35-38).

Caleb was 80 plus when he received his inheritance. 40 is 'testing,' but I don't know what 80 is unless it is 'double testing'. Caleb said he was as strong NOW as he was when he was 40. (Josh. 14:10,11). He with Joshua WHOLLY followed the Lord, they were OVERCOMERS. (Josh. 14:8,9,14)! Does life begin at 80? It was so in some lives. Moses was 80 when God sent him to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. (Ex. 7:7). For another 40 years he brought this nation through the Deserts and Joshua completed the job into the promised land.

How much longer the Lord allows me to live in this body I don't know. But I want to bring glory and honour to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and to eventually be part of the Bride of Christ. Amen.