Rahab

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.                                                                    Heb. 11.31

Rahab took a huge risk in sheltering the Israelite spies. The king himself sent message to her asking her to release the men (Joshua ch. 2). But she bravely told him that the men had visited with her but had left before the city gates closed. All the while she was still hiding the spies. Her position was extremely delicate.

But she knew about the God of Israel. She had heard of the exodus from Egypt, the triumphant crossing of the Red Sea and the defeat of the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og. Like her people, she was fearful of what might happen to them at the hands of the Israelites and their most powerful God.

Yet she had faith in this God. She was prompted to ask the spies to show kindness (Josh. 2.12) to her family. How come she wasn’t terrified of these people, knowing what their past exploits had been? I believe the reason lies in her faith.

The spies honoured her. They swore protection on her and her family. In turn, she protected them. She sent the king’s men away on an empty mission. She advised the spies on the safest action for them.

When the Israelites took Jericho, Rahab and her family were saved. But more than this. Rahab’s son was Boaz who, with Ruth his wife, featured in the genealogy of Christ. God can take our faith and work the most miraculous things through it. What an amazing gift faith is!

Lord God,

I thank You for the gift of faith. I seek always a deepening faith. May great things come from the faith You bless me with. I rejoice in You. I praise Your wonderful name.  Amen.