This morning I read Joshua 2 – the story of Rahab and the two spies. For those who haven’t read this chapter: Joshua sent two spies into Jericho to check out the land that God was going to give them. The two spies stayed with Rahab, a prostitute.

For some reason, Rahab risked everything and hid these two men. How did SHE have the understanding and fear of the God of Israel? A prostitute.

She had heard of the great ways the God of Israel had made a way for His people and she melted in fear.

Rahab made a deal with these spies that saved her life and the lives of her family members. She made the RIGHT choice.

I looked in the footnotes of my NIV study bible and it stated: Rahab became a convert to the God of Israel and a famous woman among the Hebrews. She is honored in the New Testament for her faith in Hebrews 11:31 and for her good works in James 2:25.

Hebrews 11:31
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

James 2:25
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?

Wow, God used this wounded woman — probably battered by men, probably an outcast to her family (I’m assuming) to rescue and protect these men. She was chosen to protect her family. I can only imagine she had honed the skills of “deal making” to survive. This time, it saved her and her family.

SHE HAD FAITH.

I also believe God gave Rahab revelation knowledge because of what she said here:

Joshua 2:8-9
Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.”

She said, “I KNOW” … not “I think” that the LORD has give this land to you. This is coming from someone who wasn’t raised under the teachings of Moses. Again, that gives me hope for this lost world.

Maybe Rahab had cried out over the years, “GOD, IF YOU ARE REAL …” I have heard many testimonies of people who have used those very words when at the end of themselves and God has shown up in powerful ways. Perhaps Rahab had cried out to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

No matter HOW this happened, the fact is IT DID and God chose to use a prostitute and honor her name in the scriptures. Rahab had faith and was considered righteous because of her choice.

What a gracious and merciful God we serve!

There is hope for US.

Each of us can be used by God to change this world.

Never underestimate the power of God through a willing, yielded vessel.

Are you yielded today?

HERE I AM LORD, USE ME.

I came back to add this comment from my friend Rick (who commented about my post on facebook. I should have taken this post to the end of Rahab’s life. Look at this:

Rick: I am teaching on Joshua at church and we covered Ch 2 this week. Rahab purportedly married one of the spies who was then leader of the tribe of Judah. She became the “grandma” of Ruth, David, and Jesus and a Prov. 31 woman in every way. Amazing grace! Thanks for posting.