A Woman's Faith in Action!

             God made it apparent very early on that He would accept anyone who believed in His Kingdom.  There is no better evidence of that than the fact that Rahab was included as one of Jesus’ ancestors. 

            Rahab was a prostitute, although some translate that word as innkeeper.  She was probably a little bit of both.  She was also a Gentile!  She lived in Jericho where her home was built into the city walls, a common occurrence at that time.  It gave her a clear vantage point to view the comings and goings of the city.  The arrival of two Jewish spies did not go unnoticed by her or the King of Jericho.  However, rather than comply with the King’s order to turn them over, she hid the men and then sent the King’s soldiers on a wild goose chase. 

            Surprisingly, she recognized that the Lord had sent the spies (Joshua 2: 9) and was aware of how the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and destroyed the Kingdoms East of the Jordan River.  She was wise enough to know that her only hope was with the spies.  In exchange for their guarantee of safety for her and her family, she hid the spies and helped them to escape.  Her fear and faith in the Lord not only saved her and her family but also made her a part of God’s ultimate gift of salvation through the Messiah.  It also gained her a place as the only woman named in the faith chapter of Hebrews (11:31).

            So, what do we learn from her story?  I think that her story is an excellent example of how faith progresses in our lives.

            First, she heard about the sovereign God and His mighty accomplishments.  No one can come to a saving relationship with Christ without first hearing the Gospel message.  Hearing is the very beginning of faith.

            Next, she believed!  She believed that what she had heard about God was true, and she believed that He had the power to do it again.  Once we hear the Gospel, we must believe and accept it as truth.  Only then does our faith take root.

            Not only did she believe, but she also had faith in God and what He intended to accomplish.  Only faith would have caused her to choose to follow the unknown God rather than her country’s king.  When we accept Christ as Savior, we must have the faith to follow Him onto unknown paths.  We must trust that His power will sustain us against all obstacles.  That is the faith that Rahab showed.

            Finally, Rahab was not afraid to put her faith into action.  She not only hid the spies and helped them to escape, but immediately upon their departure, she made sure that the scarlet rope that would identify her home remained in place.  She had no idea when the Israelite army would attack, but she had faith that they would, and she made sure that she was ready.  As we look forward to the day when Christ will return, do we act on our faith by preparing for that Great Day?  Jesus told us that no one knows the day or the hour, but He also said to be ready.  Like Rahab, we need to put our faith into action, preparing for the return of our Savior.  True faith is shown in preparation for the future that God has promised!

Joshua 2 & 6: 15 – 25

Hebrews 11: 31

James 2: 24 - 25

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