Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until VictoryIhe Atụ

Day 7: Trust in the Lord

“By faith the prostitute Rehab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Hebrews 11:31

Very often, if not always, God chooses imperfect, often broken, and sinful individuals to accomplish His will and great deeds.

Thus, the God of Israel chose a Gentile woman, Rahab, an extraordinary woman of faith. She welcomed the spies in peace, leading them on a different path, saving their lives along with her household. Rahab's name is found in the genealogy of Jesus, and from her lineage came David and ultimately Christ Himself, the Savior of the world (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25, Matthew 1:1,5).

Rahab's story reveals that God looks deeper than gender, profession, or nationality. Despite being a woman of harlotry in a society where such women were treated poorly and raised among the Canaanites with an occult culture in which the worship of gods was accompanied by debauchery, rape, and sexual sin, Rahab became an essential part of God's divine plan (Joshua 2:15).

If the Lord had viewed Rahab through human eyes, considering her past and present, her story might have been different. However, God looks beyond our merit, status, or accomplishments to fulfill His purpose in our lives. Rahab played a crucial role in the Israelites' entry into Canaan by sheltering the spies within Jericho, a city they needed to take to possess the Promised Land (Joshua 2:15). A massive wall surrounded Jericho, and her house was just inside the wall.

The whole city was in suspense as the Israelites entered Canaan. The king of Jericho sent people to find the two spies. Rahab was faced with a choice, and she took a step of faith by keeping the spies, thus placing her hopes and trust in the God of Israel, the God of heaven and earth, about whom she had heard so much. Choosing faith over fear, Rahab demonstrated her trust in the God of Israel. She did not let her past dictate her future, boldly placing her hopes in the Almighty God. Aware of God's faithfulness, she asked for mercy and made a covenant with the spies to spare her house during the capture of Jericho. The distinguishing mark, a red rope, symbolized safety and resembled the blood of the Passover lamb (Joshua 2:2-21; Exodus 12:3-13), foreshadowing the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Rahab's genuine and powerful faith not only saved her but transformed her life completely. Her family, trusting in her faith, found refuge in her house and witnessed God's deliverance as the walls of Jericho crumbled. Rahab and her family were saved, and she became part of God's people, marrying an Israelite named Salmon. They had a son, Boaz, who married Ruth the Moabite, redeeming her and prolonging her lineage (Ruth 4:5-22). Among their descendants was Jesse, from whom David was born, and then Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-16; Luke 3:23-38). Who would have thought that from this woman who was a harlot and a sinner would come the lineage of the Savior? Thus, Rahab's faith, her choice to choose life despite risk and fear, transformed her from an unfit woman to a saint, and so victory and deliverance came into her life.

How willing are we to trust the Lord and allow God to accomplish His will and great works through us?

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4

Reflection Questions:

1. What can you learn from Rahab's life? What traits of her character would you like to develop in yourself?

2. Even though Rahab was a prostitute, God fulfilled His great purpose through her. Do you ever feel unworthy for God to accomplish His will through you? If so, why?

3. The apostles Paul and James cite Rahab's faith as an example of saving faith, confirmed by her works (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Describe your faith. How do works support your faith?

4. Faith always requires action. Are there things you are not ready to give to God?

Prayer:

1. For the Paris Olympics Games – may they catalyze a movement of disciples in France and beyond.
2. For the European Big Region – may they see multiplication of disciples and teams in their Big Region.