Heb 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
The story of Rahab the harlot is found in Joshua 1:1-22 and Joshua 6:22-25.
A prostitute named Rahab, living in the city of Jericho, at the risk of her own life, had hidden two Israelite spies that had entered her city. Later in time, because of this act of faithfulness, she and her family were saved from death as the Israelites were given the victory over the army of Jericho.
How did the Israelites know which home contained the faithful lady who had previously hidden their spies? She had been instructed to place a line of scarlet cord in her window. This would designate to the Israelites that this home was to be protected from harm.
What great faith is shown on the part of this Gentile prostitute named Rahab! How could a Gentile prostitute, living in Jericho, come to see the need to trust in Jehovah? What knowledge gave her the courage to place her life in the Lord’s hands twice… once as she hid the spies and, then, a second time when she hung the scarlet line in her window? It was by her hearing what Jehovah had done on behalf of the Israelite nation, beginning with their deliverance from Egyptian captivity. (See Josh 2:8-11). Notice the last part of her statement to the spies… “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”
As we face the many trials of life with a peaceful, confident, expectant attitude, others who see our composure are confronted with a testimony of the greatness of our Lord and their need of a close relationship with Him. As we remain faithful to our Lord during times of great stresses, we are telling the world around us that we have the indwelling presence and enabling of the Lord within us.
Those around us may not be receptive to our verbal testimony of their need of a Savior, but do not be discouraged…. Through the actions of our lives, we can show the lost around us His greatness and their need of a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
May the Lord bless each one of us as we “Think On These Things”.
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Rahab’s story is one of the most fascinating in the Scriptures. Thanks so much for providing these insights about her life.
The Lord’s word is filled with many interesting characters that, many times, are overlooked. Thanks for the kind comments. Lord bless you.
this is so true, we are observed by our actions much more than any words
Lord bless you… sometimes, as Christians we worry that if we try to tell others about Him we will not know what to say or answer their questions. But we can be a great witness for Him by simoly living our lives for Him.
Our hearts melted…yes,, very good line. Often I find myself that same way. Getting into the presence of God I am overwhelmed with his love. Great post.
What a wonderful experience that is… to have our heart melted by His greatness. Lord bless
“We are the only Bible the careless world will read;
We are the sinner’s Gospel; we are the scoffer’s creed;
We are the Lord’s last message, given in deed and word;
What if the type is crooked? What if the print is blurred?
These words from Annie Flint Johnson carry a constant challenge as we move around in the world of darkness. We need to let HIS Light shine through us so that all may see Christ in us.
Our lives are the most effective testimony we have as lights in the midst of a sin darkened world. Lord bless you Angela. Thanks for a wonderful poem
What an encouragement Rob, to help us think about Rahab coming to trust in God. I love the things you get me thinking about! The comments reminded me of a quote by Max Lucado . .it was on a birthday card that started out, “You are who God says you are” . . .and one of those things was, “a billboard of mercy.” Praying to live like that. God bless you as you help us think on these things!
Debbie,
The Lord’s word is so rich… there are many different lessons we can learn from each verse that we read. It is truly an amazing book. i am so glad the Lord is using SIH to be a blessing to you. Thanks for the encouraging words. Lord bless.