Like Ruth, Rahab (Joshua 2) was faithful to God’s calling even before she was a true believer. She heard of God and how He parted the Red Sea for His people. She believed He was a mighty God and One to be feared. The events of the Exodus and how the Israelites were able to destroy the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-31), and defeat Og, King of Bashan (Numbers 21:33-35), struck fear in the heart of Rahab.
She risked her life to save the life of the two spies. Whether it was because she feared God more than her people, we don’t know, but I believe she did it because God placed it on her heart to do it. She had faith that the spies, that their God would protect her and her family.
One thing that has always bothered me is Rahab will forever be remembered as “Rahab the harlot.” Even though she took this huge leap of faith for God and His people, even though she became the great-great-great-great-lots of greats-grandmother of our Lord and Savior, she continued to be referred to by her prior profession, her label. I don’t like labels. I believe they’re used to suppress our true worth.
However, in this instance, I believe God is showing us that He is a loving and merciful God. By using a prostitute to perpetuate the lineage of His Son, (I believe) He’s showing us that we can overcome our past. He’s illustrating that those who are faithful and obedient will be blessed. Our sins are forgiven if we profess with our mouths and believe in our hearts.
Are you troubled by something from your past? Are you carrying around a burden that God has already forgiven you for? Talk to Him about it. Give it all to Him and He will give you rest.
Bible Verse of the Day
And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.
Joshua 2:11 NKJV
Pray
Father, please forgive us our sins. Please help us let go of our past transgressions and open our eyes to the fullness of Your mercy and grace. We see that You have blessed many sinners throughout the Bible. You’ve forgiven and used murderers to advance Your Kingdom, the greatest of which were Moses, King David, and the apostle Paul. You used a prostitute and a Moabite in the lineage of Your Son. What fantastic illustrations of Your grace, Your love for those who are faithful and obedient. Thank You, Father, for Your love. Lord, we lift up the women presented below to You. Please give them what they need at this time in their lives, whether it be encouragement, comfort, or direction. Draw them close to You, oh Lord. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
This week following Mother’s Day, I would like for us to pray for the women in our lives. They have played a major role in the lives of those who know them. We are daughters of the Most High. If you would like to send me initial(s), we can pray for specific women. I’ll start out with single initials for those I’m thinking of: A., B., C., D., G., K., L., M., R., S., V. You can contact me here.
