The Anakims.
I. WE HAVE "ANAKIMS" IN OUR INHERITANCE. Some of the highest blessings are fenced about with She greatest difficulties.
1. No earthly inheritance is without its peculiar disadvantages. Some of the "Anakims" which resist us in our efforts to fulfil our mission are
(a) the evil in our own heart, e.g; indolence, fear, earthliness;
(b) the temptations of the world, arising from bad examples, customs, distracting pleasures;
(c) direct hindrance in persecution and opposition growing out of the world's ignorance, prejudice, envy, etc.
2. Nevertheless it is best for us, as it was for Caleb, to have such an inheritance. Difficulties
(a) try our faith and courage;
(b) give scope for energy and devotion;
(c) make the ultimate peace the more blessed.
3. Apply these truths
(a) to private life;
(b) to Church work and the difficulties in evangelising the world;
(c) to public interests, and the hindrances to the work of high principled statesmen and philanthropists which stay the progress of liberty, civilisation, and national prosperity.
II. WE GAVE MEANS FOR OVERCOMING THE "ANAKIMS."
1. God with us. This fact is Caleb's ground of confidence. God does not only approve of the right; He aids it. He does not merely send assistance for the battle of life; He is present as the light to guide and the power to strengthen. Caleb had faith in the real and active presence of God.
2. Brave effort. Caleb says, "I shall be able to drive them out." He names God's help first as indispensable; but he does not stay with this. God's grace is no excuse for man's indolence. God fights for us by fighting in us. Ours is the effort, while His is the strength. True faith in God will not paralyse our energies, but inspire them; because it will show us
(a) that, while the victory will not be given unless we fight, when we fight in the strength of God omnipotence is on our side;
(b) and that God then assures us of victory, and that as He is faithful we may be confident of it. Caleb is confident that with God's help he will drive out the Anakims, because this is "as the Lord said."—W.F.A.
HOMILIES BY S.R. ALDRIDGE