MEMORY VERSE: “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:31.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Joshua 2:1-6, 12-13
INTRODUCTION
The story of Rahab is one of the thought-provoking accounts in the bible. The occasion that projected her into the ‘hall of faith’ is that of a great faith in the God of Israel whom she knew almost nothing about. She rose from being a harlot to a joint heir in the Abrahamic covenant and eventually got a space in the lineage of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:5. Her life gives us a deeper insight into what God can do with the lives of every sinner who comes to Him.
OUTLINE
1.HER CHARACTER
2. ACHIEVEMENTS AND LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
1.HER CHARACTER
Rahab in hebrew means wide, she lived in the 12th century B.C. she was a canaanite harlot who lived in Jericho city Joshua 2:5. She rented rooms to travellers and visitors who came into the city. This explains why the two spies sent by Joshua found lodging in her house.
Her character is that of a selfless woman who saved her household with great negotiation skills Joshua 2:12-13. She knew what to do with the information at her disposal. Rahab asked the two Israeli spies to ‘swear by the Lord,’ this demonstrated her faith in the only true God. She was discerning enough to know that her city would be overthrown. In her wisdom, she joined herself to the winning side Joshua 2:9-10.
2. ACHIEVEMENTS AND LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
ACHIEVEMENTS
She skillfully hid the spies to prevent the king of Jericho from capturing and executing them Joshua 2:6. This act of kindness earned her salvation from destruction Joshua 6:25. She believed all the stories about the God of Israel even without seeing them Joshua 2:10.
Rahab was a skilful negotiator; she selflessly made the spies swear to spare her and her household Joshua 2:13. The book of Hebrews named her among faith heroes in the old Testament Hebrews 11:31. James records her as being ‘justified by works’ James 2:25. Mathew lists in the lineage of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:15.
LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
Rahab stepped out of her harlotry into faith in God. So, anyone can change from bad to good Isaiah 1:18. We should show kindness to all people especially those who believe in God, just as Rahab did to the spies Romans 12:21; Galatians 6:10. She walked by faith and not by sight Joshua 2:9-12. We also expected to walk by faith 2 Corinthians 5:7. Just as she ensured the safety of her household Joshua 2:18-21, every child of God should ensure the salvation of their family Acts 16;31.
Furthermore, she was diligent enough to follow instructions Joshua 2:18; 6:22-23. Likewise, believers must carefully follow right instructions Proverbs 4:13.
CONCLUSION
Rahab is a typical example of God’s transformative power towards anyone who puts their trust in Him, do not write yourself or anyone off.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN:Joshua 2:1-6
MON: Isaiah 1:18
TUE: Proverbs 4:13
WED: Acts 16:31
THUR: Hebrews 11:31
FRI: Joshua 2:9-12
SAT: Joshua 2:18-21