Impact - Day 29

Day 29 – Rahab

Joshua 6:22-23 Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, “Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.”

The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to refresh your memory of Joshua 2:1-24 which tells the story of two spies secretly sent by Joshua to assess the area around Jericho. It is a dangerous mission before the miraculous Jordan River crossing. As they secret around the city, they are befriended by a prostitute, of all people. But Rahab is more than her mistakes and broken past. Our passage reveals that she has become a believer in Yahweh, the One True God. She invites the infiltrators to stay in the safety of her home built into the walls of the fortified city and, that night shares her faith in their God.

Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them. “I know the LORD has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the LORD made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt... No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. (Joshua 2:8-11)

Before the spies successfully escape Jericho and return to Joshua, Rahab will have housed them with hospitality, hidden them from searchers, and lied to the king regarding their whereabouts. She advises their exit strategy and lowers the two men from her window in the city walls. But before she does, she asks them to make a pact. She is confident that the city will fall to the Israelites, and she wants a guarantee that she will be remembered for her commitment to their God. They promise that she and her family will be protected, provided she is committed to their safety.

What an unlikely portion of our story. Yet how entirely predictable that God would connect His plan to this woman of questionable past. You may be tempted to wonder if He really means to use you to advance His kingdom. But when thoughts of doubt enter your mind, remember the name Rahab. This woman who turned her history of hiding and secretive behavior into service of Yahweh boldly counters our inner voices of skepticism. Her example makes you wonder how many times the work of God pivots on the faith of the undesirable, the inexperienced, or the outcast. Indeed, He has plans to use you and me.

1. Who is a person who has surprised you by exceeding your expectations? Why did you have low expectations? What do you think of them now?
2. Was there a time you acted in faith despite a lack of experience or expertise? How did it go?
3. What part of your past would you like Jesus to redefine? Is there a way you sense He plans to use a difficulty you have experienced for His Glory? What is that?