“I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.”
These are the words of the mighty warrior Caleb, who was 80 years of age when he made this proclamation(!). This guy is one of my heroes. I’m not surprised that Caleb was from the tribe of Judah.
When Moses sent ten spies out to survey the land for Israel, Caleb was one of only two (Joshua being the other), who came back with a positive report. Caleb was around 40 years old at this time. He saw the challenges to entering the land of promise, but was ready and willing to embrace the mission. When everyone else was afraid to go, Caleb stood, trying to stir up boldness and courage among God’s people.
In ancient Hebrew language, an alternate meaning offered for Caleb’s name is “faithful, zealous, bold, brave. Whole hearted.” Here is what the scriptures have to say about Caleb—and his heart:
“But my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.” – Joshua 14:8
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” —Numbers 14:8
Caleb followed God wholeheartedly. He was full of heart. He was all heart.
Caleb is the type of guy who would step into the ring to fight a giant—because there were real giants in the land.
Caleb reminds me of Rocky Balboa.
I recently introduced my son and daughter to one of the greatest movie characters of all time. Over the course of a few weeks, we completed a Rocky marathon, watching all the films together, in order. It was such a joy. Each one got more exciting—especially as they saw each new colorful opponent Rocky had to face.
I’ll stand by it—these films are epic. The rich character development, the formidable opponents in the ring, the gritty Philly street environment, the relatable triumph-from-struggle storylines, all of it. The music alone—from Bill Conti’s jubilant score to yes, the pounding “Eye of the Tiger” soundtrack, is perfect. Watch the original 1976 Rocky again and tell my if you think otherwise. Rocky One is a flawless film in my book. It’s slow paced, setting the stage for the cast of characters who will travel with Rocky of the course of the 40-year franchise.
Rocky’s a lot like Caleb. Rocky inspires us to move forward, to get up and keep fighting. He’s bold and brave too.
The reason Rocky lives on in our hearts is because we can see ourselves in him. I should say, we want to see the best version of ourselves in him. Rocky is realistic about life’s blows, but he inspires us to keep keep pushing forward. To step into the ring one more time, even when it looks impossible. His spirit cannot be broken. Rocky’s all heart.
How did Rocky become so great, such a champion of the people? Besides the obvious—his awesome training routines, consisting of one-arm pushups and sprinting up the steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Besides gulping down half a dozen raw eggs from a glass.
Did you ever notice how Rocky was rich in relationships?
It was the incredible people in Rocky’s life who elevated him. The people in his orbit make him great—a better family man, a better boxer, a better human. They believed in him, even when he couldn’t believe in himself.
Apollo Creed, his his close friend and fellow boxer, would build him up for his fight against the vicious Clubber Lang. Watching them race other on the beach, two competitive friends side by side, is such a great scene. Apollo’s unwavering investment in Rocky makes him stronger. And vise versa.
I don’t think I need to mention how essential Adrian is to Rocky’s life. She is the fuel and fire that keeps him fighting. As the compass that centers him, Rocky can go one more round, because he has the unwavering love and support of Adrian.
Then there’s Paulie Pennino, Rocky’s brother-in-law. A meat factory worker who is perpetually grumpy, his character is a difficult one. He drinks too much, complains too much, and sometimes belittles Rocky. He will test your patience, but you gotta love him.
Mickey Goldmill is Rocky’s no-nonsense mentor and personal trainer. Throughout the film, Mick becomes a tough & tender father figure to him. Mick earns his full trust, and Rocky does not let him down. Mick is the angel on Rocky’s shoulder.
These characters on the screen are so freaking memorable. Even the guys who Rocky has to fight, the “bad guys”, are great. In real life, is your life grounded in essential relationships like this too? Do you have people who can keep your grounded, keep you steady, keep you alive? I hope you do.
Who is your Apollo?
Who is that loyal friend that challenges, sharpens, and shapes you? That one friend you look up to for the way they live their life, for calling you to do it the same way?
Who is your Paulie?
Who is that family member, who is hardened by life, that often comes across as unpleasant and unloveable? The one who tests your response, and consistently demands you choose grace, kindness and acceptance towards them?
Who is your Mick?
Who is that mentor that speaks into your life, and raises you to become the greatest version of yourself? Though grit and tough love, the one who makes you believe enough in yourself, that you can conquer the tough things that will come your way?
Finally, who is your Adrian?
Who is that person who loves you no matter what, just as you are, who will never abandon you? That true love and confidant, that will stand faithfully by your side (or in your corner) for your entire life?
At various points, life is gonna send you some hard blows. I hope and pray you have people like this in your life. Life is so much richer, so much more manageable with people in your corner.
While we’re at it, train hard. May you run up those steps to reach the top, even though you feel exhausted and weary. May you walk into the land God has prepared for you, the future he is pulling you into.
Above all, may you live your life WHOLEHEARTEDLY, just like Caleb and Rocky did it. That’s the only way to go.