“… “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there.” ~ Joshua 2:1
REFERENCE:
As Israel continued to possess their land of promise, Joshua sent two spies to view the land of Jericho that lay before them. The spies went to Jericho’s red-light district, to the house of a harlot called Rahab, and lodged there. In such a lodging, there would be a lot of traffic, and one would most likely hear the latest news making the rounds in Jericho. It was a good choice for the spies, although she may have been a temple (idol-worship) prostitute.
The Jericho Intelligence Agency received information that spies were in Rahab’s brothel. Despite knowing their true identities, Rahab chose not to betray them to the king’s officials. Her decision to hide them was a testament to her courage and faith. She saw a potential gain that could only come through the spies and acted upon it. Consider her words:
“I know that the LORD has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.” (NIV) This statement must have boosted the faith of the spies. Rahab spoke confidently about the God she heard of. She said, “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear, and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”
What an unlikely convert! This harlot had a profound faith in the God of Israel, surpassing even some of His people whose fathers witnessed His wonders at the Red Sea. Many in Jericho had heard about God’s great acts, but it only instilled fear, not admiration, as with Rahab. She knew this God was superior to the gods of her people and spoke of Him without hesitation.
It was not a coincidence that the spies ended up in Rahab’s house. God saw a love for Him in the heart of a stranger to the nation of Israel. She was ready to risk her life and lose her national identity to identify with God and His people. Hence, God arranged for her salvation, like Cornelius, the Roman centurion to whom He sent Peter.
Just as God transforms unlikely converts, He equips the unlikely to receive the best of His favors and uses them to accomplish extraordinary things. Rahab, whom others may not have highly regarded, and her family were blessed with salvation. You may feel unworthy and unwanted, but like Rahab, God, who sees your heart, has chosen you for great honor.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Acts 10: 1-5,34-35, Matt. 8:10-12, Mark 12: 10-11
DECLARATION: I am loved by God and chosen for honor. His strength shows up in my weakness. His love qualifies me, and the blood of Jesus speaks for me.
I am confident in who He is: my God, deliverer, and Saviour. Amen.
