Bible Society of South Africa
Xanthe Hancox

Friendship – Day 7

Joshua and Caleb – friends in deed

Itekisi yeBhayibhile

EYASENTLANGO 14

6Ke yena uYoshuwa unyana kaNune, noKalebhi unyana kaJefune, abanye bezaa ntlola, basuka baziqwenga iimpahla zabo ngenxa yokukhathazeka, 7baza babhekisa kumaSirayeli, bathi: “Hayi bo! Elaa lizwe sivela kulijonga lelihle kunene. 8Ukuba uNdikhoyo uyakholwa sithi, uza kusisa kulo, alinikezele kuthi, yeka ke kambe indyebo yalo – liyintombazana! 9Nto nje nina musani ukumvukela uNdikhoyo, ningabaxhaleli nabemi belo lizwe, kuba siya kuboyisa lula. UNdikhoyo ungakuthi, ibe ke bona bakukutya kwethu, kuba *izithixo zabo azinakubanceda. Hayi bo, sanukuba nadyudyu ngenxa yabo!”

EYASENTLANGO 14:6-9XHO96Vula kumfundi weBhayibhile

EYASENTLANGO 13

30Kwesi sithuba ke uKalebhi wasuka wababeth' emlonyeni abo babenika ingxelo kuMosis, wathi: “Mawethu, kuf' ayayo! Masinyuke ngoku siye kulihlasela elaa lizwe. Sinako ukubaswantsulisa abaya bantu.”

EYASENTLANGO 13:30XHO96Vula kumfundi weBhayibhile

Do you recall the story of the 12 spies who gave their report of the Promised Land to the people of Israel? They all agreed on the facts of the report; it truly was the land of milk and honey. However, there was great disagreement on the interpretation and what ought to be Israel’s response.

Ten of them gave a majority report. They said it could not be done — the enemy was too numerous. Two faithful men of courage thought differently. Caleb spoke for them saying, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”(Numbers 13:30) It took great courage to say what they said and to do what they did. As a result, these two men were bound together in a friendship based upon conviction.

When you and another are the only ones in your company who are doing right, the only ones at your school to stand for Jesus Christ, the only individuals in your family or neighbourhood who have faith, it can glue you together like Caleb and Joshua.

Joshua and Caleb were friends indeed and friends in deed. It was a friendship tested by time and trials, but a friendship expressed in commitment and deeds. Perhaps, you are blessed with such a friend as Caleb. If so, find a way today not only to say how much you appreciate this friend, but to show it as well.

Bible Society of South Africav.4.26.9
SIFUMANE KU-