Start each day by reading the passages listed above. Then use the summary and reflection provided here to guide discussion around the daily reading.
As the Israelites were preparing to enter into the promised land after wandering in the desert, Rahab was a Canaanite woman in Jericho who hid the Israelite spies planning to conquer the city. Her loyalty to God was rewarded with a place and protection among God’s people, even though she was an outsider.
Consider the details of Rahab’s story. What do we learn about God’s family through Rahab’s story?
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69 thoughts on "Rahab, Who Asked to Belong"
I can’t help but think of the parallels of Jesus’s parables of the kingdom of God. When one perceives the light and forsakes all to earnestly pursue it.
In the midst of a pagan cult and a dark occupation, Rehab perceived the light and instead of withdrawing it brought her near, she sought the light and it was salvation to her and her family. I can’t help but see the gospel.
♥️
God and Rehab always had each other’s backs and always tried to protect each other from bad situations and people.
The Lord didn’t see race colour or status. He sees hearts. His blood line is Do diverse and his character references are varied. It gives hope when out loved ones choose paths of unwelcome lives.. that no one is outside of God’s reach. Whosoever will to the Lord may come…He’ll not turn one away, not even a prostitute.
What do I learn about God through Rahab’s family is that all are welcomed who believe in him no matter their past, heritage or place of origin.
We learn that Jesus is diverse. He is of mixed blood/ genealogy. Rahab was a Canaanite, Ruth a Moabite… This is encouraging as I have African-Jewish heritage. I carry ancestral Jewish blood and ancestral African blood as well. When Jewish people are depicted in popular culture people such as I am are often left out. I believe this detail is also part of what makes Jesus the perfect sacrifice.
I noticed that Rahab house was built into the wall. This is interesting because part of how the Israelites took Jericho was because God brought the wall down. Until now I’ve always pictured that the entire wall came down but it couldn’t have if Rahab and her family were hiding in her home. It would be just like God to keep that part of the wall intact to protect her. ❤️
The story of Rahab echoed how God instructed Joshua in Chap 1:6-7 Be strong & courageous, remember the law. She knew the God of Israel made them strong so her people were afraid, but if she was strong & courageous she could protect the spies, negotiate protection for her family & trust they would keep their word and they trusted God to protect them while in her hands. It’s a wonderful picture of faith, trust & courageous for all of them!
Mercy
I am lifting your baby up to the Lord for protection and healing of the little one’s teeth. For the Lord is always with us.
Adriana
That was beautifully said. Even A Prostitute was accepted by the Lord and part of the story of Jesus. It did not exclude her from the love she has for the Lord
Thank you all again for your prayers! VBS is going great!!! I have not slept well the last 2 nights, so please pray that I am on track today and don’t flub the lesson.
I will have to come back later to do my reading here since I need to review my Josiah story for today.
TAYLOR, prayers for your friend. I remember how hard that loss was for you, too. I am not far from you and we had that rough weather yesterday. It’s supposed to be bad all week unfortunately.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – prayers for your little one’s oral issues. We dealt with some of that with our youngest.
LEHUA K – Prayers for your health!
KATIE L – Praying wisdom prevails today. May the judge exercise the wisdom of Solomom!
Praying and praising with each of you.
Thanks again for your prayers!!! ❤
It’s so neat to see that Rahab was protected for her courage and faith, even though she was not an Israelite. And that she became part of Jesus’ genealogy!
What strikes me this time is how similar the scarlet cord is to the Passover. Both saved those within the home. I love how detailed the instructions are and yet they were followed.
Praying for the requests shared. ❤️
That is romantic!
Even in a distant land, Rahab knew of God and knew to fear him. Rahab chose to follow God and in helping the two spies, she saved her family. She became a part of the Genealogy of Jesus. Which I think, if she knew of her importance, would be the biggest reward/treasure for Rahab. I feel like it also highlights an important fact. A prostitute, a foreigner to the Israelites, and a woman is a significant part of the story. She mattered. She STILL matters. Her profession, nationality, and gender does not exclude her from the story or the love of our God.
@Krystle Scott-When reading today’s passages, I also wondered if Salmon was one of the two spies seeing as their names are not mentioned in Scripture. I took think it would be fabulous if he was one of the spies ❤️☺️.
Due to unfortunate rainy weather here in the Outer Banks, I had some time to sit down and do my devotions for the first time in a LONG time. I love this story of God’s redemption of so much brokenness. His grace. His mercy. His LOVE. His provision for this woman and her family for her faith as small as mustard seed. I love what someone said that He “joyfully receives all who seek Him.” I pray I would be a good witness to my friends on this vacation who have all walked away from their faith. Of all the bedrooms in our beach house, my room has a sign with Matthew 5:16 on it which is encouraging as I don’t think there are any other bedrooms with Bible verses on them. A little God wink :)
Also if you could lift up my best friend. We’re in the same beach house we stayed in 2 years ago which was the first year we went on vacation after her mom died. This house brings back some heavy memories that have weighed on her today.
Thank you for your prayers and praying for your requests as well <3
Lifting our sisters in prayers (SHARON JERSEY GIRL, KATIE L, TAYLOR, SARAH D, DOROTHY, TRACI, KATHY, HEIDI and other she’s).
Would you please pray for my baby as well? She is having some teeth decay issues and being a little bit over 1 year old, there’s some complication with treatment. Please pray for God’s healing and strengthening her little teeth. Thank you so much!
(my previous comments got suspended for approval for some reason, so I am reposting, sorry to SRT tech team if you see my several attempts).
Be blessed dear sisters.
Lifting our sisters in prayers (SHARON JERSEY GIRL, KATIE L, TAYLOR, SARAH D, DOROTHY, TRACI, KATHY, HEIDI and other she’s). Ladies, would you please pray for my baby as well? She is having some teeth issues and being a little over 1 year old, there is some complication of treating, we need to see a specialist. It was diagnosed for lack of calcium during my pregnancy that causes early cavity and her teeth porous. Please pray for God’s healing and strengthen her little teeth. Thank you so much! (my previous 2 comments went to moderation for some reason, so I am reposting, sorry to SRT’s tech team if you see my many attempts). Be blessed dear sisters.
A couple of my take away points:
Would we take a second and consider how our enemies could be terrified of us? (as the Jericho city was terrified of the coming Israelites). And that’s God’s weapon and God’s fighting behind the scenes for us. Lots of times we magnify the enemy, but on the flip side, they know what God can do. I am talking about the spiritual force operating in people that are against us. These demonic forces use unguarded people as puppets to go after us fiercely…but they know well what GOD can do. This prompted me to pray, Lord, cause those that are against us, to melt in utter fear and terror, cause them to faint because of the tremendous fear You will deposit into their heart for our sake, even before we come to our enemies, let them melt and faint with fear, that we may possess the date of our enemies (Genesis 22:17).
Boundary of safety: Rahab’s family was instructed, “…you shall Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father’s family into your house. If anyone goes out the doors of your house, his death will be his own fault, and we will be innocent. But if anyone with you in the house should be harmed, his death will be our fault”(Joshua 2:18). If they didn’t respect this boundary, they would have died a foolish death. May we respect and obey the boundaries God shows us to stay within. If we come out of the boundary/ covering, we will hurt ourselves.
Hello she’s, my comment went to moderation for some reason. So I am reposting part of it.
@SHARON JERSEY GIRL: amen to pointing out the spies had to trust a prostitute as well for this to work, they had to place faith ultimately in the hand of God. Both sides risked this trust with their own lives. Praying for a solution and help for your sister and 2 kids.
@MICHELLE: I like to check where you are at every now and then, like an accountability sister @KATIE L: praying for court tomorrow, may God fight for you.
Ladies, would you please pray for my baby? She is a little over 1 year old and we went to the dentist yesterday, since her teeth were showing weird signs. We were advised of demineralizing, and decay, the dentist said it’s lack of calcium during my pregnancy that causes her teeth porous and early cavity. We will have to see another specialist for the right course of treatment, since she is so young. Please pray that God will heal her teeth. Thank you so much for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
A beautiful story of surrender today through Rahab. As many of your insightful comments have stated, the Lord is so merciful to welcome into His Kingdom any of us that is willing to put our faith in Him. He will cleanse us from our past, and make us an honorable member in His worthy family.
A couple of points I took away from today’s reading:
1.Would we take a second and consider how our enemies could be terrified of us? (as the Jericho city was terrified of the coming Israelites). And that’s God’s weapon and God’s fighting behind the scenes for us. Lots of times we magnify the enemy, but on the flip side, they know what God can do. I am talking about the spiritual force operating in people that are against us. These demonic forces use unguarded people as puppets to go after us fiercely…but they know well what GOD can do. This prompted me to pray, Lord, cause those that are against us, to melt in utter fear and terror, cause them to faint because of the tremendous fear You will deposit into their heart for our sake, even before we come to our enemies, let them melt and faint with fear, that we may possess the date of our enemies (Genesis 22:17) (thinking of KATIE L’s situation with this prayer).
2.Boundary of safety: Rahab’s family was instructed, “…you shall Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father’s family into your house. If anyone goes out the doors of your house, his death will be his own fault, and we will be innocent. But if anyone with you in the house should be harmed, his death will be our fault.”(Joshua 2:18). If they didn’t respect this boundary (by not trusting Rahab or her relaying the message), they would have died a foolish death. Respect the boundary God shows us to stay within. If we come out of the boundary/ covering, we will hurt ourselves.
@SHARON JERSEY GIRL: amen to pointing out the spies had to trust a prostitute as well for this to work, they had to place faith ultimately in the hand of God. Both sides risked this trust with their own lives. Praying for a solution and help for your sister and 2 kids.
@MICHELLE: I like to check where you are at every now and then, like an accountability sister :)
@KATIE L: praying for court tomorrow. May God fight for you. Be strong.
Ladies, would you please pray for my baby? She is a little over 1 year old and we went to the dentist yesterday since her teeth were showing some weird signs. We were advised of demineralizing, and decay, the dentist said it’s lack of calcium during my pregnancy :(( and her teeth got porous hence the early cavity, and we will have to see another specialist for the right course of treatment, since she is so young. Please pray that God will heal her delicate teeth and this will be a good report for HIS GLORY. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Some scholars say Salmon, Rahab’s husband, was one of the two spies she hid. I really hope that’s true; it just seems so romantic to me lol. ❤️
I get that God receives all who surrender their lives to Him.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. – Joshua 1:1-2
@ Sharon, Jersey Girl, praying right now. Praying your sister will find housing very soon that’s affordable. Right now I am living in what was probably her current situation. I am a single parent, with two children (who are older), living at my parents home. It’s just my mom who is elderly. Thankfully, she’s still in good health, and takes care of herself. Please know that I understand your concern for your sister. I’m praying that something will come up very soon. And I hope I’m not sounding nosy, is there anyway she can continue to live there and continue to pay rent to her niece? Just a thought. I am not a teacher, but I work at a school, and I know there’s no way that I could afford to live elsewhere, so I totally understand your sister situation. My heart goes out to her, but most of all I am praying, and I know us She’s here are joining you in prayer. God is good! He is Jehovah Jireh our provider. I’ve seen our God provide in ways that that can only be HIM!
@Foster Mama-a friend lent me that book…a year ago-yikes…and I was thinking about it this morning. I would really like to read it:)
Side note on Nashon from yesterday. Rachael Meyers made a comment in the podcast for this week that traced Nashon’s offering of the first sacrifice at the wilderness tabernacle to Jesus offering the the last. Oh how that filled my heart! God thinks of everything! @ Foster Mama. Thanks for telling me where to look for ERB’s post. I hadn’t read Saturday or Sunday’s posts. Such a crazy busy (but good) weekend!
Lord, You see all the needs here of the ladies and for some of their families. You are all powerful and sovereign. Please intervene on all of the situations here whether it be encouragement, healing, provision, or deliverance. God, please deliver those being tormented by the enemy. Please protect their whole being and their minds. Please hear the prayers of those interceding for others. May they and all involved see Your hand at work and have an encounter with You that is never forgotten. May those that love You, love and be in awe of You even more. For those that don’t, may this encounter bring them to repentance and salvation. As my pastor says, You have already done so much. Please, in Your mercy, touch each one. God, may Your Name be glorified and praised! Amen.
God can use anyone in any circumstances that we find ourselves. All we have to do is be willing. We are never too far from His reach. Rahab was willing and even risking her own life. I think deep inside she knew God was calling her. And WOW….. she used greatly for God’s Kingdom! We are never too far from His reach. Our God, Our Jesus is ALWAYS willing to forgive. Now that’s OUR God! Happy Tuesday morning ☀️ sweet She’s.
What do we learn about God’s family through Rahab’s story? God’s family is made up of the most unexpected and unlikely people. God sees even “the least of these” and welcomes them to find peace security and rest with him.
I cannot tell you ladies how wonderful it is to read through all your comments!! It truly paints such a detailed picture for me for every reading. I’m pretty new at studying the bible and your insight is so valued! Thank you for always sharing your thoughts!
@sharon praying for you and your family. Family can be so complicated, praying God prepares and provides for your sister!
Good morning She’s, I’ve been quiet but not absent! I want to sincerely thank those that have been praying for me and my family – tomorrow (June 21) is the big day – our court case at 1:30pm PST. Feeling so much heaviness as I prepare for what the Lord will have for us tomorrow. There is so much twisting of the truth as well as outright lies being put forth, praying for wisdom and discernment for the judge. We were never able to find an attorney to represent us, each said they didn’t have experience to be able to support us since our case is so unique or they were unavailable. Trusting trusting trusting God. Coveting your prayers, that we will say the right things and not say the wrong things. That we will speak the truth with kindness and this whole nasty mess will be dismissed in Jesus’ name.
Thank you ladies for your faithfulness in lifting each other up in prayer – it is so felt and so appreciated!
@ SHELLY, your (and a few others) comments reminds me again of Francine River’s “Lineage of Grace” book — you get a feel of what Rahab and her family could have been thinking. It reminded me that they sat there at LEAST for the entire 7 days of marching.
@ TANYA EVANS, Amen!!
I don’t think it is the worst thing that autocorrect keeps changing Rahab to “REhab”…her faith in this God she began to trust even before learning His ways in full, truly transformed and healed things in her! :)
LORD JESUS, You see @ SHARON’s sister (presumably also a JERSEY GIRL)…You see her faith and her circumstances…Oh Lord of the Impossible, saving ONE family holed up in a wall despite crumbling and chaos… please open doors and opportunities, tear the red tape as you used the red chord,…meet your daughters in their challenging time with Your gracious hand
@Mercy- thank you for the shout-out yesterday! I am here reading! I was thinking of you this morning, actually, lol. I remember some words you spoke over me awhile ago and I believe God was bringing them to mind. I appreciate your care and concern for the individuals of this community. So many of you ladies always shouting each other out!
Rahab’s story is a picture of redemption. I think @Tanya Evans said it so well, that God uses the “foolish” things of this world to shame the wise. I’ve been thinking about that Scripture a lot. I go to these open mics and sing a song and dedicate it to the Lord. God has been growing my confidence in declaring His goodness every time. I don’t preach a sermon but I do make it known that I sing for Jesus. My life may be seemingly foolish, but I know God will use what I don’t understand to make His glory known.
@Sharon Jersey Girl- I am believing God to move and bless your sister. He blesses our obedience. If she lived in faith and took care of your father’s household, God will take care of hers. I’ve heard it said, “If you take care of God’s house, He will take care of yours” and I’ve been believing that for myself. So many her faith be steady in Him and God goes before her and guides her in the way she should go. The amount she has is enough for what God will do. He knows what she needs and will provide for her.
@Cee Gee- glad your VBS is going well so far! May God bless the work of your hands and minister to each little heart. And I pray that over anyone else who is involved in VBS this summer here! God’s blessings to you!!
Love you, She’s :)
Thankful that God looks at our heart not our outward appearance or our past. No one is too far gone to be redeemed.
Rahab, having no prior knowledge of who God was, recognized His authority and holiness. I am blown away by her immediate faith from hearing the stories of what God has done. She put her trust in complete strangers because she knew their God was to be feared. What a reminder to have that same awe and reverence for God. What this teaches me about God’s family, is He used the faithful, no matter their background, no matter what people group they came from. It’s beautiful because it gives the hope that anyone today, no matter their background or what people group they come from, can be apart of God’s family. Thank you Jesus!
Just a thought about Jericho’s walls…
Sooo, when Joshua received his instructions from the Commander of the LORD’S army (my commentary says that is Jesus Christ-a christophany) about the marching around the walls, the priests blowing the trumpets, a final shout, and then the walls fall…I wonder if when he tells the people what to do if the spies were like, “Um, the walls? Like all the walls? Because, um, Rahab and her family are living in those walls….” Their faith was then put to the test that it wouldn’t be by THEIR hand alone that saves them, but by GOD’S.
Being in the walls, Rahab and her family would’ve heard the sound of the trumpets blow through their window…where the scarlet cord would flap in the breeze. They had no idea the walls were going to fall. They just knew that Jericho was going down, but Israel’s God was going to spare them through the hand of His army.
Then, when the walls fall, Joshua tells the spies, “Go get Rahab and her family.” It’s like he had no doubt that though God crumbled the walls, He would protect the family that put their trust in Him.
@ KRISTINE LOUGHMAN, you’ve hit the nail on the head!!! And I think she would’ve asked Jesus questions with the same boldness as the Samaritan woman (Photini, I believe) at the well.
@ CAROLE RIMMER, yes that struck me recently when we’re talking about Ruth. Yes, Naomi was her mother-in-law but SO WAS Rahab…I wonder how his mama’s stories affected / softened the heart of Boaz.
God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary! Beautiful nod to the fact that the Gospel is for everyone no matter there origin or station. Thank you, Jesus!
This may not be significant but in Jewish tradition it says that there is the possibility that Rahab may have been an innkeeper also. She may have self employed in more than one way. Another observation, in some ways the women in the genealogy of Jesus are like the twelve disciples that were picked by Jesus. Jesus did not pick the top of the graduating class at the Harvard Yeshiva to be his followers. These were not nice Jewish royal women and even though his mother Mary was a virgin there was some scandal of an out of wedlock baby. Why pagans, uneducated fishermen, and prostitutes, and goyim (gentiles)? Everyone qualifies for the redemption of Christ. Everyone’s life if he or she so chooses can be used by God. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 says, “Brothers and sisters ,consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of a noble birth. Instead God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the strong. God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world -what is viewed as nothing…”
I really love the story of Rahab, talk about a strong woman! She was the lowest of the lows, not only just an unmarried and probably very young woman, but also a prostitute. she had enough bravery and understanding of Yahweh that she not only protected Israelites from her own king but also asked to be adopted into the Holy Family. God didn’t just protect her and welcome her in, but used her as a direct link to the Messiah, such a wonderful redemption story. Her story gives me so much hope for my future and peace knowing that God will provide despite the circumstances of the past or present.
Even though Rahab was a harlot God still used her. This shows that no matter how broken we think we are God can still use us if we trust in Him and in His plans. Rahabs obedience to our God that she did not know shows she wanted to be blessed and have a part in God’s plans for Israel.
God calls all people to His family, no matter our background. He wants us to trust Him and turn toward Him.
May I have such great faith as Rahab! She trusted the Lord would prevail and provide in the midst of her circumstances.
Praising the Lord today!
Rehab’s story tells me that when God chooses us He doesn’t look on what we have done or who we are but He extends His salvation to all who He chooses and who believe in Him.
Good Morning
@Sharon, prayers for your sister and niece for God’s provision!
I really love the story of Rahab! I had forgotten how she was woven in and to go on and father Boaz! That story is one of my favorites of Ruth! To fathom that Rahab was a prostitute, and God led the men to her house, and rather than being afraid she came up with a plan. I always saw it as kind of a deal to save herself….but now I see it as her knowledge of their God and believing how powerful he is. (I don’t think that was written very eloquently…but anywho!) And that is why I appreciate all of your comments and way of explanations! That’s why it is so nice to be in a study like this!
I’m off to our Chronic Pain group this morning! Praying God will bring us those who need it today. Those that suffer so much, and need to be lifted by other believers that know what they go through. That we can talk about our faith in our Heavenly Father despite whether we get healing on this side of heaven! God wants our belief in Him, not for what we can get, but we can find in Him alone! I am hoping to watch the episode from The Chosen (praying the internet will be strong enough!!), with “little” James asking God why he himself has not been healed, even though he will be healing others! It is so impactful!
Prayers for you all, and to make today count!! :)
This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible! What do we learn about God’s family from Rahab’s story — that God shows no partiality, He can and does save anyone who believes! Everyone who lives has opportunity to believe in the God of all creation. God accepts all who come to Him by faith, no matter what our background. He places people in His family of His choosing and can use us in spite of our past.
Rahab had a great faith, she heard about the great and mighty God of Israel, and feared Him. She knew of His power. She trusted enough to hide the spies, putting her own life in jeopardy. She trusted that the spies would be true to their word, and she trusted enough to do everything they said. Because she listened to the Spirit of God in her treatment of the spies, her name is in the genealogy of Christ.
The spies too had a great faith. They showed up at the door of a prostitute! They had to trust her just as much as she had to trust them. They trusted God would protect them in her home, on her roof, under the flax sheaves. They trusted Rahab when she sent them out her window and down the wall.
A lesson for us – trust God, even when He puts us in the most unlikely circumstances, even when it makes absolutely no sense at all. God never calls us to a task that He doesn’t equip us for! Faith is putting one foot in front of the other when you’re not sure what you are stepping in to…Lord, increase our faith.
@Taylor….Praying for God to direct your steps and give you the urge to reopen your bible again every day.
So interesting that, out of a city of thousands who all heard the same stories, only Rahab thought “I’ll trade these capricious gods I serve for the power of a God who fights for His people.” How slow we are to believe, Lord Jesus!
Three things about Rahab that suggest she was savvy and had prominence in Jericho: the town leadership respected and trusted her opinion about strategy with the spies, the flax and red chord are valuable, and her home on the outside wall – probably an enviable site to live that was earned in some way
God’s grace and redemption! And the importance of women in His plan.
Amen
She trusted in the God that she heard wondrous stories about and she encouraged the 2 spies who in turn gave a good report as he had 40 years prio
God gave her a place because she believed what she heard from 40 years prior! She didn’t say “that was then”…she trusted He could do again what He did before so she wanted to align with Him!
We are blessed as non Jewish she’s to be welcomed into God’s family if we place our trust in what Jesus did over 2000 years ago !!! All are welcome!
Prior*
Karen, indeed. The commentary I was reading mentions that she went into prostitution at age 10, until she converted at age 50.
Prayer Request!
Good morning ladies. I haven’t done the scripture reading yet but wanted to make sure I posted so I could get as many as possible to pray for this request…
My dad passed away in October. One of my sisters lived with him with her 2 kids for 11 years, taking care of him and running the household. The house is being sold to one of my nieces and back in February my sister was told she would have to be out of the house by June 30. She works part time as a substitute teacher and can only afford to pay $900/month which is impossible to find housing at that price – she has about 1 1/2 weeks before she needs to be out & still nothing on the horizon. She is a believer and has a great faith!! On top of all this – her car broke down yesterday and she has no transportation…There is a lot of family “back story” which I won’t get into, but just wanted you to know the urgency of her situation. Please pray that God will open a door – very, very soon for her housing situation and that He will also work out the car situation. (She & my niece will be pooling their money to buy my dad’s car but it’s tied up in estate (and family) red tape.)
Thank you in advance!
God’s grace is sufficient. This reading reminds me that our past does not define who we are or what my future maybe. We are made new in Christ Jesus.
Rahab’s story shows that when God says he’s does not wish for any to perish but all to come to know the glory of Lord, he was not just talking about Israelites.
Before I get to Rahab –
Joshua, one of my favorites. When I saw the heading yesterday for Nahshon – I thought, who?? As many pointed out, everyone is important to God, not just those highlighted. Important lesson!
Was Joshua hesitant to step up as leader? Unsure of himself? Feeling unqualified? Taken aback at being chosen, By God!, for the honor? Uncertain whether he could handle the responsibility? These are the questions that came to mind as I read this familiar passage of scripture. Joshua listens, and the LORD (Yahweh) gives him instructions and a rousing pep talk. He tells Joshua what to do (obey and be strong and courageous!) and how He will be there for Joshua – give the land, win the battles, never leave or forsake (abandon at the time most needed) and be with him wherever he went. He will not leave or forsake us either.
Rahab – God’s hand is all over this (isn’t it always?). The spies being led to “choose” her house to stay, her house being located on the city wall for easy escape, her knowledge/belief/response regarding what she and her people had heard God had done to/in other nations (and providing that intel to the spies), bravery in misleading the king’s men, wisdom in directing the spies to safety, her acknowledgment of the LORD (Yahweh) and trust in His provision by setting a plan in motion for her and her family’s safety. My take on this is that she had faith in God, even if she didn’t yet know all the details – she believed, and showed that faith to her family by her actions. The power of faith, and the Lord’s faithfulness to us.
MARIA BAER – thank you. I saw a word in your comment yesterday that I had not heard or thought of in probably 50 years – Shekinah. It brought back memories of growing up and going to a little country church where my grandparents lived. Many times the preacher would remind us of God’s Shekinah glory – the presence of God, dwelling around us. I didn’t know at the time what it meant but from the context of his preaching, I knew it must be awesome.
MERCY ❤️
RHONDA J – praying for your VBS and especially for your grandkids – may they see Jesus in you, may the seed be planted for them to seek Him – to fill that space in their hearts that nothing and no one else can fill. ❤️
FOSTER MAMA – thank you, praying for your requests ❤️
TRICIA CAVANAUGH – awesome that your husband is working in your VBS! Praying for volunteers and children
SHELLY – thank you for the reminder that He always provides, no matter where we are
CEE GEE – praying for the rest of the week to be as great as Day 1!
Good morning, SHES! I wrote a note for y’all around 9:45 last night on yesterday’s post re: prayers for VBS, THAMKS, and more. I hope you see it!
As I read the details today it struck me again that Rehab had to hear and obey the instructions of the 2 spies. Yes, she and her family would be spared/redeemed, but it required obedience on her part. In fact, we see that each family member was required to be obedient. I hope that makes sense; my brain isn’t on full function yet. I went over to got questions and it mentioned a similar thought and stated it better than I did. This quote is from one of the articles I read there and answers the study question well in my opinion:
“Rahab’s example helps us still today. No matter our past, God asks us to believe in Him and live out our faith through action. When we do, God can use us in powerful ways to change lives both now and for eternity.”
Praying for your requests. KATHY – continuing to pray for your group in IN.
I think Rahab is one of those stories that touches me because it shows that because of God’s grace, we are made new in Him. Through faith in Jesus we can become new and redeemed, regardless of our past. I read this passage in a commentary and it really brought me feeling of— the more I learn from you, God, the more in awe I am of you power and your plan— “For her courageous faith, this woman with a bad reputation was enrolled among the faithful in the book of Hebrews—the only woman, besides Sarah, named there (Hebrews 11:31). James used Rahab as an example of how a character can be transformed by a living faith that yields works (James 2:25). And eventually, she was no longer known as the harlot who hid the spies but as the wife of Salmon, the mother of Boaz, and the ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5–16).” And I don’t know if this makes, but in her past there is value that gives her present even more strength. As the Point of Grace song says “Heal the wound but leave the scar, a reminder of how merciful you are.” So thankful for his infinite grace, love and forgiveness.
I don’t think it’s an accident that Rahab gets to be part of Jesus’s genealogy. She’s totally the kind of person Jesus would have picked to hang out with during his time on earth. A “working” woman, scrappy and brave enough to defy the authorities, desperate to save her family… if this was the NT Jesus would have been like “we’re having dinner at Rahab’s house tonight” while the Jewish leaders threw some side eye. I think Rahab’s presence in the narrative is to remind us that ALL are welcome in God’s family. There’s no pure, noble bloodline we’re tracing here. We’ve got misfits and schemers and prostitutes and fishermen bringing us to Jesus.
I see autocorrect is changing Rahab to Rehab for some of us! Oops!
As I read it today, I wonder if God recused Rehab in more than one way. I suspect a life of prostitution was not something the woman went into willingly. It was likely forced or necessary means of providing for her family. The Lord is so good and faithful. He rescues and loves those to put their faith and trust in Him, even those with messy pasts ❤️
Rehab heard about God… His testimony was speaking to everyone/anyone who would believe; and bot just in the Scriptures
Rahab, and her family, placed their faith in the God of Israel, full of fear of His power and might, yet trusting in His mercy and grace. God honors the heart attitude over the bloodline. He joyfully receives all who seek Him.
MELANIE MAYER – praying the LORD restores you body and soul. May He give you His perspective on what is going on in your life and in your home. May Holy Spirit give you wisdom and discernment. May the peace of God that passes all understanding flood your heart.
Amen
On a side note, it’s a wild thought that Rahab was *Boaz’s* mother – that great godly man we know of from his own story with Ruth!
Rahab asked in faith, but also showed that she believed the truth. She recounted to the men details of how God had been faithful to Israel. This means she had someone else in her life who loved God and faithfully proclaimed His deeds to her. God’s family extends beyond Israel, and always has.
I’ve never really thought about Rahab before beyond knowing that she hid the spies. She must have had some knowledge and faith in God to have hid the spies knowing their goal was to conquer her country. I think she must have believed that with God leading the Israelites, there was no way that they would be defeated.
I knew about Rahab’s past as a prostitute and I also knew she helped the spies to escape from the Kings guards. However, I had never thought about the next part of her story. Rahab didn’t become part of the bloodline of Jesus by helping the spies. She had a changed life after her family was spared. It will be interesting to see the next part of the story. I am loving this genealogy study! I feel like I will be able to remember the names that lead up to Jesus as well as their story.