Fight And Inspire the Next Generation | Judges 1:8–15

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Our text today is Judges 1:8-15:

“And the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it and struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire. And afterward the men of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, in the Negeb, and in the lowland. And Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba), and they defeated Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai. From there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. The name of Debir was formerly Kiriath-sepher. And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, ‘What do you want?’ She said to him, ‘Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.’ And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” — Judges 1:8-15

The conquest continues—and Judah isn’t slowing down. City by city, they obey and advance. But embedded in this war-torn section is a beautiful picture of legacy.

Caleb—the same man who stood faithful back in Numbers—is still moving forward with bold faith. And he’s pulling others into the fight. He throws down a challenge: “Whoever captures Debir gets my daughter’s hand in marriage.” It’s not just a reward—it’s a call to courage and a test of sorts of the type of man he hoped would carry his legacy on.

Othniel steps up. And Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, isn’t passive either. She asks her father for more land, then asks boldly for water. She’s not greedy. She’s confident. Courage, boldness, and bravery run in the family.

This moment isn’t about a single conquest; it’s a story of leadership character. Caleb isn’t just taking territory; he’s building a family legacy. His faith didn’t start and die in the desert. It grew stronger, and now it lives on through his extended family.

Your faith wasn’t meant to die with you. It was meant to inspire the next generation.

You might not be capturing cities, but are you cultivating courage? Are you raising up sons, daughters, disciples, or friends who trust God boldly? Do those closest to you see a legacy worth following?

Caleb didn’t retire. He led. He gave. He kept walking in faith until his last breath. Pass on a spiritual legacy to someone today.

ASK THIS:

1. Am I building a legacy of faith or just surviving spiritually?
2. Who is watching and learning from my walk with God?
3. What bold step of obedience can I take today?
4. How can I encourage courage in someone else’s life?

DO THIS:

Share one spiritual lesson with someone younger today—something that’s shaped your faith.

Father, let my faith be contagious. Help me build a legacy that honors you and strengthens others. Amen

"Build My Life."