A harlot, her heart and an example to follow. 

 “Where God guides, He provides.”   

Many of us have heard this phrase in the past.  Perhaps you’ve been reminded of it’s truth when the miraculous happened and you found yourself divinely provided for.  In those times, your faith was strengthened in preparation for the next season of life.  Or perhaps you find yourself counting on this promise now, while still waiting on the Lord for answers.

Rahab was a woman who found herself in this second category in Joshua 2.  A woman with a complicated past, a sinful present and an uncertain future, she would become a pillar of faith and a bold example for us to learn from.  It was while working as a harlot in Jericho that the Lord called her abruptly into a life of service and I believe there are two main lessons we can learn from her today.

Rahab was bold.

In verse 8 of Joshua chapter 2, we see that the two spies of Joshua had already been hidden in the flax of her roof.  Rahab sent the king’s men away in search of them in a false direction.  To the spies she says, “I know that the Lord has given you the land” and later, “the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath.”

Rahab goes on to make the case that in return for her kindness, she wants a promise of safety for herself and all her family when Jericho is overtaken.  Her request is a bold one based on an equally bold statement of faith.  She chose to believe, and place her trust, in the truth of who God is.  She was a woman who knew what she wanted, went to bat for her family, and put her personal safety on the line to ensure a better future for her household.

I’m reminded of Hebrews 13:6.  It says, “So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’ Friends!  Let’s remember that we have not been given a spirit of fear!  Let’s remember to be strong and courageous!  The Lord is with us just as concretely today as He was that day for Rahab.  Be encouraged by the truth of who God is and the promise that our future is held in His hands.  (Romans 8:15)

Rahab’s needs for service were provided to her.

The story continues with the spies instructing her to bind a line of scarlet cord in the window to signify the oath between them.  Have we ever stopped to ponder how providential it was that she had such an item in her home to begin with?  A scarlet cord… so beautifully connected to the symbolism found in the Passover.  The blood on the doorpost protected all in the house from the plague of death.  Under the  covering of the blood of Jesus, we are spared the punishment of our sins, just as Rahab and her family were spared the death that was coming to Jericho.

The Lord knew the spies would find their way into her home.  Furthermore, He knew she would need a way to let them down through the window.  He knew that this story would point forward to Jesus. His fingerprints are all over the details!  The beauty is this:  When the Lord calls us to serve, He has already equipped us with the tools necessary to be obedient.

What spiritual gifts are you using?  What has the Lord placed in your character or personality that He wants to use for His glory?  How can your life point to Jesus?  If you aren’t sure of the answers to these questions, I encourage you to spend some time seeking Him about it.  He has a purpose for you and He is so faithful to provide for you to fulfill it.

Maybe you relate to Rahab as someone with an imperfect past.  Take heart!  Her story was not over!  He had huge plans for her.  Provided a fresh start in Israel, she later married and was part of the lineage of Jesus Himself!  She is a refreshing and relevant example of the redemptive work the Lord does in the hearts of those who seek Him.

Our part

I leave you with this final exhortation.

“Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31)  How poignant that reminder is!  The city around her was crumbling.  The hearts of her people were “melting” (Joshua 2:11).  How did she respond?  With peace.  It was her peace, as well as her faith, that landed her one of only two spots in the great cloud of witnesses occupied by a woman.  A harlot!  The ancestor of Jesus!  Rahab’s story is such a beautiful testimony.  Finally, when life threatens to overwhelm you, look it squarely in the eye and say (as Jesus did in Mark 4:39)

“Peace!  Be still!”

{Isaiah 26:3}

Blessings friends!

How has this article encouraged you? Comment below.

About the Author:

Regina Dean is a stay at home mama to four spunky kids and the wife of a wise spiritual leader.  When she’s not writing, she can be found serving in worship and children’s ministry, homeschooling her children, and farming in her backyard.

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