Day Thirteen: Rahab – Choosing God
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 2:1-21; 6:22-25
Introduction: Rahab is one of the most unexpected people in the Bible. She was a prostitute in the fortress city of Jericho. She was a social outcast. Yet, when the time came to choose between her pagan community and the invading people of God, she chose Israel. She hid the spies that Joshua had sent out and even engaged in misdirection to keep them safe. The results for Rahab were most likely far more than she or anyone could have ever imagined. For starters, she and everyone with her were unharmed when the walls of Jericho fell, this in spite of the fact that her house was against the city wall. Then, she was spared the subsequent judgment meted out by Israel on the inhabitants of Jericho at God’s direction. Yet, all of that pales in comparison to the most amazing result of her decision to align herself with Israel. The apostle Matthew tells us that Rahab is in the family tree of the great king David, which means that ultimately, she is a blood ancestor of Joseph, the earthly father of the Lord Jesus because she was the mother of Joseph’s ancestor Boaz (Matthew 1:5).
Application: Rahab’s unlikely story of faith and courage reminds us that God had intended all along to graft the Gentiles into the family of faith. But, not just any Gentile. Rahab came from a very sinful background. Her faith brought her into God’s grace, redemption, and a place in the lineage of Jesus Himself. She serves as a reminder to everyone, everywhere that no one is beyond the reach of God’s salvation and a restored life. God is the God of second chances. Rahab shows us just how true that is. She serves as an example to everyone that God is greater than all our sin if we will just respond when He shows up.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know I am not worthy of Your salvation. I am a sinner saved by grace through faith. Thank You for saving me and giving me new life in Jesus. Help me to never long for a life apart from You and please help me not to think more of myself than I should. You are the great Redeemer. I owe all that I am and will ever be to You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.