Page 28 - Winter 2016 Contact Issue 40

ONE MORE MOUNTAIN

I wonder do you have a bible hero/heroine, a So many testimonies of saving faith reflect rightly on
character who inspires you, one you readily relate to? past times but sometimes these stop short of the
Perhaps you have more than one hero or heroine? present, let alone any reference to the future. Caleb’s
I certainly have a few both in the Old Testament and testimony would have been outstanding enough
the New. The one I am writing about was born in Egypt looking back to his bold report back from his dangerous
but was never an Egyptian. As a young man he showed spy trip into Canaan; his urging the people to possess
leadership qualities and was chosen to represent his the land and that God would provide the way. Or he
tribe Judah. He was a spy who was not listened to. could have stopped with the fall of Jericho and the final
He was a desert wanderer for forty years, patiently entrance into the land of his vision. But no, one more
awaiting the promise of a final home he could call his mountain, his inheritance still drove him on.
own. Then at age 85 he became a warrior again and So as I look back on over sixty plus years on this earth,
a fearsome one at that. He asked permission of his I can remember at age six in Carnlea Mission Hall
spiritual leader and great friend to fight to possess a asking Jesus to be my saviour and friend. Then at six-
land full of fortified cities and warlike people. “Give me teen, in the same hall, rededicating my life to the Lord,
this mountain”, was his request. No early retirement. understanding so much better what this commitment
No “let the young warriors do the hard work” attitude. would mean for the remainder of my life. Then the
No settling for the lush valley floor with its easy living. wonderful milestones of my marriage to Irene and
His vision and passion at age forty still burning brightly, the birth of three wonderful sons. Changing careers
undiminished at eighty five. The mountain he from civil engineering to eventually thirty five years
conquered, for conquer it he did, was Hebron the land in human resource management. Always having a love
of the fierce Canaanites. The land where Abraham, for Africa and eventually being appointed to the ruling
Isaac and Jacob had all been buried hundreds of years Council of Mission Africa. Being ordained as an Elder
earlier. What a man, my Old Testament hero. What age in a Reformed Presbyterian Church. Then fifteen years
was he when he finally inherited his long held dream? ago becoming a member of High Kirk; a church I have
We are not told but certainly he was over ninety. Have grown to love deeply. And I could easily stop there. But
you guessed his name yet? Yes, Caleb and you can read that would fail to give glory to my Heavenly Father for
all about his life in the books of Joshua and Numbers the rich spiritual experiences I have come to know over
and in Judges Chapter one. Deuteronomy describes the last eight years or so. Encounters with the Holy
him as a man who followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Spirit, never before experienced that have brought new
What a testimony to have, what a tribute to be given. vision, new ministries and a much deeper appreciation
of the power that is available to every believer if we are
willing to walk in obedience to our holy calling.