The story of Rahab is one of the most amazing biblical examples we have of an individual’s faith and of God’s Mercy. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who lived in Jericho before the Israelites destroyed the city, is considered one of the most prominent people of faith found in Hebrews 11. The people of Jericho did not believe in God and did not obey Him… but Rahab did believe and acted according to her faith. She received Gods mercy and His grace by her faith.
The meaning of faith in Hebrews 11:1 states: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen“. Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve; Grace is God giving us something we do not deserve.
The story of Rahab
The story begins with Joshua sending out two Israelite spies to scout out the territory around Jericho. These two spies arrived at Rehabs home where they spent the night. Rahab willingly hid the two Israelite spies and diverted the king’s men by sending them on a wild goose chase. All the while the spies were safely hidden away on her rooftop. She knowingly was placing herself and her family members in grave danger and the possibility of even being put to death.
Would they guarantee her safety and her family’s safety when they came back to destroy Jericho?
After the king’s men departed she joined the spies on the roof. Rahab told the spies that she had heard of the great acts and victories of the Lord. She began discussing the history of the Israelite’s escape from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea with them. She also went on to mention the destruction of the two Amorite kings along with all their people. And then she asked the two Israelite spies if they would guarantee her safety and her family’s safety when they would come back to destroy Jericho. They agreed and guaranteed her safety. The spies then escaped back to the Israelite camp and were able to avoid the authorities of Jericho. Eventually, Jericho was destroyed by the Israelites and Rahab and her family were spared by the Lord’s mercy. She and her family joined the Israelites and worshiped the Mighty God of Israel.
What can we learn from Rahab?
Rahab’s courageous act in hiding the two Israelite spies indicates her trust and faith in the God of Israel. Despite the danger from her people, she chose to worship the living God of Israel instead of gods made of wood and stone who the people of Jericho worshiped and the Lord rewarded her for her faith and protected her and her family from the destruction of Jericho.
We must live out our faith in the Lord.
Although Rahab’s profession was not highly admirable, God can work through anyone where faith abounds. We can wholeheartedly admit that nobody is perfect, and God knows we have all fallen short of His glory. We ALL need God’s mercy and Rahab was no exception. She simply believed and had faith in the Lord beyond measure. She had a faith that was real and sincere, and her faith never wavered in the face of adversity. God honors people who respond to Him in faith. Like Rahab, we must simply believe and put our faith and trust in Him and Him alone. We must live out our faith in the Lord.
Faith in God saves. Then and now!
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