Finding Faith Where It's Not Expected

Joshua 2:1-21

When people are talking about their ancestors, they might like to happily bring up some famous, well-liked ancestor.  They proudly state that they are related to George Washington, or Thomas Edison, or William Shakespeare. How many people would be quick to point out that they were descended from a murderer or a well-known prostitute?  If we were asked to compose a list of people we consider our heroes, would we put someone like that on the list? Not many people would. Yet when God inspired Matthew to compile his genealogy of Jesus, He was careful to include that Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, was an ancestress of the Savior (Matthew 1:5).  When God inspired the author of Hebrews to compile the list of great heroes of the faith, only two women were mentioned by name, Sarah the wife of Abraham, and the other - you guessed it, the prostitute Rahab (Hebrews 11:31). Let’s take a look at this woman whom God sought to honor in this way, and see what we can learn from her life and faith.

After the death of Moses, Joshua was made the new leader of the people of Israel.  God commissioned him to lead the people across the Jordan River and to conquer and take possession of the Promised Land, the land of Canaan.  The first place they came upon was the walled and fortified city of Jericho. As part of his strategy, Joshua sent two spies into the city to gather information.  Rahab ran a sort of inn from which she also gave some “extra favors” probably for an additional fee. The spies went to the inn because they knew they could gather information easily at such a place, without being noticed.  Her house and inn was built into the city wall, and was an ideal location for a quick escape. The Lord God also was instrumental in sending the spies to her because her heart was open and tender to Him. God uses people who are open to Him and have simple faith.

Rahab, along with all the people of Jericho and throughout the land of Canaan, had heard of the mighty acts of Yahweh.  They had heard about the parting of the Red Sea, the miraculous provisions in the wilderness, the defeat of the mighty kings of the Amorites and Bashan.  The others in Jericho and Canaan were greatly afraid, but Rahab had the beginnings of faith and trust in Yahweh. As she heard more from these spies, her faith started to grow.  When Rahab knew that they were going to conquer and destroy Jericho, she agreed to hide the spies and safely send them on their way in exchange for her and her family to be protected.  Because of their evil practices and intense idolatry, the Canaanites were a stronghold of rebellion against Almighty God. They were a threat to godly living, and had to be removed just like a cancerous growth is removed to preserve a healthy body.  God greatly desires pure and holy living.

Rahab was willing to risk everything she had for a God she barely knew.  That shows great faith! She knew Yahweh was not an ordinary God. He is all-powerful.  The people of Jericho were afraid because of His power, but only Rahab turned to the Lord for salvation.  Her faith gave her the courage to hide the spies and save their lives. She took a great risk doing that because she knew they had a God worth trusting.  God rewarded Rahab by rescuing her and her family. He rewarded her, and she is remembered in the Bible, because of her faith, not because of what profession she once had.  Rahab distinctly verbalized her faith in Yahweh (vs. 11). She then showed her faith by hiding the spies (James 2:25).

Genuine faith can sometimes take root in unlikely places, as it did in Rahab’s heart.  She had heard enough to believe, and the Lord saved her. Rahab ended up marrying one of the spies, Salmon.  He was the son of Nahshon, a prominent ruler of the tribe of Judah. How did a pagan harlot marry into that family?  How did we, sinners that we are, become the Bride of Christ? Salmon looked beyond her past and saw her beautiful faith.  God sees us as those His Son came to save, shedding His Blood for us.

Rahab chose to leave her past life, her pagan ways and culture, and turn to the one true and living God, Yahweh.  No matter what our past is, when we turn to God, He will welcome us into His family and give us a future with Him.