Rahab
Open Your Bible
Joshua 2:1-24, Joshua 6:22-25, Matthew 1:1-6, Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:31
BY Kaitie Stoddard
I had this sneaking feeling that I was going to lock myself out of the office one day. Every once in a while, it would cross my mind that I should hide a key somewhere, just in case, but then I’d brush that thought aside. Well, what do you know, today was the day! Of course, my coworkers were gone for the day, and the second the door latched behind me I knew I’d forgotten my key. They say hindsight is 20/20, but it doesn’t do you much good when you’re trapped on the wrong side of the door, pulling up Google on your phone to find a locksmith.
Sometimes we feel that nagging urge to act, and we just stuff it down. Getting locked out of an office is a minor inconvenience, but what about when the urge to act comes from the Lord? What about when that holy nudge requires you to step out in faith?
Rahab is a woman who saw what was coming and chose to act in obedience. She didn’t obey because she was an especially godly person. Far from it, in fact. The book of Joshua tells us that Rahab was a prostitute. But despite her moral failings, Rahab recognized the power of God. When Joshua’s two spies were in need of a hiding place, Rahab sensed they were men of the one true God. Though she barely knew this God, Rahab put her faith in Him and betrayed her own king (Hebrews 11:31).
How did a woman living so far from God take such an enormous leap of faith? A single act of courage, that’s how. That’s all it took to completely change the future for Rahab and her family. Although she had only heard of the power and goodness of God, she recognized what He was doing and stepped out in faith. This foresight saved the lives of Rahab and her family, and she went on to become part of the lineage of Jesus Himself (Matthew 1:1–6).
Just as God worked through Rahab, He delights in using women from every walk of life to tell His grand story of redemption. It doesn’t matter what you have or haven’t done in the past. You don’t need to be a “perfect Christian” for God to call you to action. You don’t need to be a perfect Christian to listen to that still, small voice and “see it coming,” whatever it may be. God does not wait for us to get it together in order to weave us into His plan of redemption. “Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27).
If you are hearing a voice that says you can’t be used by God, that you’re too much of this or too little of that, let me tell you that voice is not from the Lord. Maybe God’s given you a dream, but you’re not taking the next step because of these critical voices. Would you join me in throwing off that spirit of condemnation? Our courage comes not because we believe we are strong, but because we know that God can do anything. If He calls us He will also equip us for His work. Let’s be women who see what God is doing, and follow Him in faith.
26 thoughts on "Rahab"
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Any one else with anxiety resonate with the Hebrews 11:1 verse?? Man, that hit me hard in the best way.
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In reading the Matthew passage today, it stood out to me that Rahab became Ruth’s mother-in-law. I always think of that special bond between Naomi and Ruth, but now I am picturing a special bond between Rahab and Ruth too–both outsiders that were specifically chosen and woven into the family of God.
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I like to think that Rahab’s godly rearing of Boaz helped him become the type of man that would redeem Ruth as well. Such a powerful story!
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I hadn’t put that together before. So much faith to pass down!
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Prostitute walking in faith #mindblown
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I loved the reading this morning. Knowing that just one step of faith can change everything is amazing. Our God is so good and I am so thankful to have the chance to know Him. Happy Friday and blessings for the weekend.
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I have absolutely loved this series and I tuned in to the video yesterday for the first time to check that out. I love seeing how God calls each of us uniquely as he has gifted us. I love the fact that he uses people from all aspects of life-Moses a murderer and afraid of is own capabilities to lead, Aaron, flawed leader who still becomes the first high priest! Bezalel, gifted craftsman-I took note that he wasn’t a prophet or a priest a teacher but GOd used his creativeness to design the beautiful tent of meeting, Joshua a great warrior, Rahab a prostitute. I mean, really, looking at this list I’m encouraged that he can use me even in my doubt and uncertainty. Thank you SRT for this study.
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Agree!
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We love you Lord God. May You alone be what others see in our lives, hear about, want, and come to know you as Lord and Savior. Draw them to You, and thank you that when we were lost and prostituted to sin you saved us, and made us new.
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Amen!
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Thank You, Father, for not being done with me yet
There’s so much that needs to change in me
Forgive me for where I fall short
I want to be worthy of Your name
Worthy of Your call
You have much for me to do
May I do it all for You
You are worthy of all glory and honor and praise
May I remember this all of my days
You are faithful
Equipping me for every good work
Help me to please You
To honor You
You are so worthy
May I be worthy of Your name-
Amen!
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Thank You, Jesus, that You alone can make us worthy. By Your amazing grace and mercy we stand spotless and blameless before a holy God, clothed in the righteousness of our Savior. By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. (Eph. 2:8,9) Apart from You, we can do nothing to change our sorry condition. In You, we are new creatures with right standing before our Creator. (2 Cor 5:17) Thank You Jesus!!!
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Talk about courage. Wow. Rahab sure had some, didn’t she? And because of her courage she is in the lineage of Jesus. Woo!
Lord, give me courage and strength to overcome my weaknesses and doubts. Only through you is this possible.
Peace to you ladies on this Friday. I’m keeping you in prayer, just as you are me. Blessings…
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