Be A Rahab

Joshua 2:15 - 16   -  So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.  She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.”

Joshua’s first decision as a leader sent two spies into the city of Jericho.  It was a mighty city protected by a mighty wall. They went to a prostitute named Rahab…for lodging….perhaps not for the reason we might first think of. She ended up meeting God…and was used of him in spite of her lifestyle choices.

It struck me as I read the story how she is such a strong example of how God can use anyone to do his work.  She understood the power the God of these two spies was as soon as she met them…probably way before.  Rumors of the God of the Israelites had spread throughout this land God was giving them. She approached these men with fear…a reverent fear for her life if their God chose to give her city over to these people.

God used this fear to stir up a passion to save her family…which translated in protection for these two spies that had been discovered by the king.  She not only hid them on her roof under some flax plants…she lied to the king… and let them down from her window that just happened to be located on the city wall.  She even gave them instructions how long to hide…where to hide…and how to travel back safely to their camp.

Rahab accepted an offer from these spies to save her family… in exchange for their escape… and the hanging of a scarlet ribbon in the window they used to escape…her family would be spared when they came to take the city. She left behind all that she knew to become a part f this people of God….letting God build for her and her family a new future…full of hope.

Think about that for a second.  Her faith…not even fully complete…earned her a verse in what most Christians consider the hall of faith.  Hebrews 11:31 says… “ By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.^” Her life…scared and broken and dirty as anyone…even before she accepted Christ as her Savior….or God as her forever God…became an example of how to step out in pure faith…with just the simple word of two spies

I needed the reminder this morning that the simplest of faith….a tiny grain as small as a mustard seed …placed in God’s hands... will move the mightiest of mountains.  No matter what is in my past…all the broken pieces can be used of God to bring about good for his kingdom.

Father...thank you for the reminder that I need to be a Rahab.  Forgive me for the times that I let the past limit my faith. Help me to cling to that small seed of faith you planted in me when you saved me …so you can use it and grow it into all that I need to be the best that I can for you. Amen.