Scripture

Chapter 15 gives an overview of the land and towns allotted to the tribe of Judah. We also read an interesting anecdote about Caleb and his daughter Acsah. Caleb was been one of the first men appointed by Moses to spy out the land. Moses had sworn that for his bravery and obedience to the Lord, Caleb would surely inherit share of the land of Judah.

We just witnessed in chapter 14 Caleb’s boldness and faith in requesting that land he was promised from Joshua. Here in chapter 15 verses 13-19 we see Caleb taking possession of that inheritance. He then offers his only daughter, Acsah, in marriage to whomever can drive out the inhabitants of Debir. It just so happened that a man named Othniel did and married Acsah.

Upon receiving her inherited land, Acsah also asks her father for some choice springs and he gave them to her. Imitating her father’s boldness, Acsah also shows her faith by asking for a blessing and expecting to receive it.

Observation

Though only a few sentences long, this story of Acsah provides a shining example of the confidence we can have when approaching our loving Father. Acsah was not afraid or hesitant to ask for a blessing, and gladly received it with joy. She had confidence in her father’s goodness which in turn came from God’s goodness.

Application

What would you ask God for, if you could be sure it would be answered immediately?

Did you know that God is already moving and working in the details of our lives? If you have accepted Jesus, you are in His family and he is intimately focused on your wellbeing. You’re free to approach God with anything, no matter how small, and get this – your rightful inheritance as a child of God is EVERY GOOD THING.

I could ask for all the blessings in the world from now until my last breath and I still wouldn’t be able to name them all. Maybe I don’t necessarily need my own water source, but I can sure name a few things off the top…

However, this freedom comes with a disclaimer. James warns us that we must ask in faith, not out of a place of doubt.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8 (emphasis mine)

I admit that there are many times I have prayed from an unexpectant attitude, doubtful that God cares to do anything about my needs. On the surface my prayers seem right, but if I do not believe in my heart that God is listening and longing to answer me, I won’t receive anything because I am being faithful.

Caleb showed his faith when he boldly asked for what he was to inherit. Acsah showed her faith when she boldly asked to inherit something else that was good. Will you boldly show your faith the next time you ask God for something?

Prayer

Father, we believe your Word is true and that your Spirit has changed and healed us. Sometimes I pray to you and my heart doesn’t really believe you will do the things you say you will. Soften my heart, calloused from disappointment, sin, the pains of the world. Grant that by the renewing of our minds  we may receive and accept our true inheritances in you, never afraid to ask you for even the most amazing gifts. All is yours and you give lavishly to those who love you.