Women

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Rahab’s story is one of redemption. From harlot to heroine, her faith changed her life and was used by God to preserve His people. There is much about this story that could be distracting, but Rahab’s heroic faith is most inviting. Let’s focus on the faith.

Rahab’s faith was based entirely on the stories she had heard of God’s power and might as he brought His people out of the land of Egypt. Nations were crumbled, trained warriors were outwitted in battle, seas were parted. Rahab was brought up to believe in pagan gods. These gods were worshipped and sacrificed to but they never parted the sea or rained manna from heaven. They never manifested themselves or made themselves known to the people. These gods were lifeless, powerless.

The stories that spread across the country and reached Jericho were so outrageously amazing that they were either the work of a crazed mind or true. Rahab believed they were true. Perhaps it began with dissatisfaction in her own false gods but the Bible tells us that God’s handiwork is testimony to who He is. This testimony Rahab could not deny, and when the stories reached her city, she knew they were true. It was enough for her to believe and repent of her sinful lifestyle. The spools of flax on her housetop are evidence of an honest profession of weaving. It was these spools of flax that God used to hide his men.

What happens after this is the biggest test of Rahab’s faith. She is hiding hunted men that her king wants destroyed. Even more, she lied to the king’s men and sent them off to chase the spies in the opposite direction that they were headed. If the king found out she would pay with her life or more. All for the God she heard about in a story. There is something that Rahab knew here that was bigger than any king. She believed in the Almighty God. This belief was not based on an idea held but never owned. It was based on the knowledge that God is all powerful and He will do as He says. There is no nation, no government, no city, no man that is greater in power that the one true God.

Rahab didn’t fear the king. Rahab didn’t fear the soldiers that came to her door. Rahab feared the Lord. She chose to deny the king so that she may acknowledge the power of God. Rahab’s faith was tested and proved genuine; her hope was met with victory. God acted on Rahab’s behalf and protected her and all those in her household when the mighty city of Jericho fell.

Rahab didn’t have the scriptures and she didn’t see the parting of the waters for herself. She only had stories, but they were enough. If Rahab can risk everything for the God she barely knew but trusted, how much are you willing to risk for the intimate God you know and love?

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