Day 2: Rahab, the Sinner

One of the shocking things about Jesus’ family line is that God inspired the author Matthew to include five women in it. Two thousand years ago in Israel, it was rare to see women in a genealogy. However, Rahab was named in Jesus’ line. She was a prostitute from Jericho who was neither Jewish nor a righteous woman. But in her sin, she turned to God in faith.

Her faith in the God of Israel was displayed through her helping the Jewish spies. Rahab entered the pages of Scripture through her interaction with the scouts Joshua sent into Jericho. God had promised the city to the Israelites, so Joshua and his army were getting ready to wage war to overtake Jericho. Rahab had already heard about the Israelites and about the one true God they followed. The testimonies she heard had a significant impact on her, so much so that when the king of Jericho sent men knocking at her door, she hid the Jewish men and directed the soldiers in the wrong direction. She chose an allegiance to God over her allegiance to the king of her city.

In Joshua 2:8-10, she explained to the spies why she helped them: “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”

Rahab knew who the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was, and she put her faith in Yahweh. And truly, Rahab was like each of us—a sinner in need of a Savior. God blessed her for her faith and courage. Through her line, God sent the promised Messiah.

Jesus came to save us from our sins. He died on the cross to take our sins as far as the east is from the west. For all who put their trust in Him, He offers the free gift of eternal life. Who can you share this amazing news with today? Jesus came for the sinful, broken, and hurting hearts. Let’s share His love with others!

“When darkness lay upon the earth,
A glorious light did shine;
God sent a Gift of priceless worth
And showed His love divine.”
- Andrew L. Skoog
Our Day of Joy Is Here Again