Women of the BibleParaugs

Rahab

The land of Jericho was promised to the Israelites by God. Their disobedience led to their land being overtaken by a pagan population. When it was time for the Israelites to take what God had promised them, they sent two spies to go and search the land. The two spies ended up at a local woman’s doorstep, Rahab the prostitute.

The king caught wind of the two spies and sent soldiers to Rahab's house. However, Rahab had heard of the God of Israel and she hid the spies to keep them safe. Because of her newfound faith and heroic act, the spies assured Rahab she and her family would be spared when the Israelites invaded.

Rahab is often referred to as the harlot who helped the spies escape from Jericho. She was known for her sin. In what some describe as the “Hall of Faith”, found in Hebrews 11, it is Rahab’s faith that is credited as saving her. Rahab’s example reminds us God is always bigger than our sins, no matter who we are or where we come from. God does not need us to work miracles, but he chooses to use us at times. What a merciful God we serve!

1. I’m so glad we serve a God who does not define us by sin. Reflect on some of the ways you seek to be known. How do you think God would describe you?

Prayer: Father, may I be known by what you have done in my life, rather than the sins against which I struggle.