“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:31).
Today we will focus on Rahab. She was a harlot, a prostitute. You notice I said was. We first meet her in Joshua 2. Joshua had sent out two spies out of Shittim to view the land—even Jericho. These men ventured out, putting their lives at risk. They came to the house of Rahab. They would have been in grave danger if Rahab had chosen not to hide them. The king of Jericho and his men came to Rahab’s house asking if she had seen two men who were spies. She told them they had been there but had left at dusk.
In actuality, she had hidden them on the roof under some flax that was drying there. The spies made a deal to keep Rahab’s family safe in exchange for her silence. They sealed it with a scarlet cord. Rahab knew enough about God to understand why the spies had been in Jericho. Although she had lived a life of shame, Rahab had enough faith to help God’s men. Because of her faith, she and her family were spared from the destruction of Jericho.
We never find Rahab turning again to her old way of life. She became a portrait of God’s grace. Her name is mentioned in the hall of faith. as we see in today’s verse. Her name would no longer be one of reproach. More important she has the dignity of being mentioned in the lineage of our Savior. (Matthew 1:5)
As we can see, God is no respector of persons when it comes to light bearers. God can use anyone willing to shine in obedience.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: My how time flies. Pray to redeem the time today.
