A Prostitute’s Choice
“God is in the habit of selecting us for big things, even when our beginnings are small, less than picturesque, and far from ideal.”
Joshua 2:1-7 (ESV)
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out.
Reflection
According to Bible archeology reports, archeologists have dated the famous battle of Jericho to approximately 3,400 years ago. Today, theologians and scholars consider Rahab a “heroine” for her bravery and courage in assisting the two Israelite spies during that famous, historical siege; however, even by today’s standards, a known prostitute would not likely be given the same accolade.
The Bible indicates that after the battle of Jericho, Rahab and her family went to live with the Israelites (Joshua 6:23). Can you imagine, with Rahab’s past, the contempt and scrutiny she and her family likely endured from the other Israelites? Even still, it is Rahab who was cited for her faith some 1,400 years later (Hebrews 11:31) and it is Rahab who is still referenced and examined today. Even more impressive, Rahab is specifically mentioned in the lineage of Jesus! (Matthew 1:1-25).
I think if we’re honest, all of us have some part of our past that is embarrassing or that doesn’t meet with soceity’s expectations. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Jesus chose his twelve unlikely apprentices so precisely. God is in the habit of selecting us for big things, even when our beginnings are small, less than picturesque and, in Rahab’s case, far from ideal by humanity’s estimation.
The defining moment for Rahab was when she first recognized that the God of Israel was bigger than any other god she had ever known. She told the Israelite spies she harbored that when she heard of their God and what He had done for them in Egypt, her heart “melted in fear.” (Joshua 2:11).
Second, once Rehab recognized the fate of her city was sealed, she was willing to act. Rahab risked everything she had to put her own life, and her family’s life, on the side of faith. One of the most wonderful (and terrifying) things of this beautiful, daily walk with Christ is that we also must take the same posture. When we position ourselves to recognize that God is bigger than anything else in our life, and when we are willing to act in faith, He can use us in a powerful way, regardless of our past, our title, or status.
Action Steps
Prayer
Father, my loving Creator, I thank You for caring for me, a nobody. Some days it feels like I can take on the world, but other days, I struggle to find meaning or significance and I can’t reasonably see how You could possibly use me. Help me to remember that You have a specific purpose for me and that when I am obedient to Your calling, You can use me to achieve Your plan. Amen.
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out.
Reflection
According to Bible archeology reports, archeologists have dated the famous battle of Jericho to approximately 3,400 years ago. Today, theologians and scholars consider Rahab a “heroine” for her bravery and courage in assisting the two Israelite spies during that famous, historical siege; however, even by today’s standards, a known prostitute would not likely be given the same accolade.
The Bible indicates that after the battle of Jericho, Rahab and her family went to live with the Israelites (Joshua 6:23). Can you imagine, with Rahab’s past, the contempt and scrutiny she and her family likely endured from the other Israelites? Even still, it is Rahab who was cited for her faith some 1,400 years later (Hebrews 11:31) and it is Rahab who is still referenced and examined today. Even more impressive, Rahab is specifically mentioned in the lineage of Jesus! (Matthew 1:1-25).
I think if we’re honest, all of us have some part of our past that is embarrassing or that doesn’t meet with soceity’s expectations. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Jesus chose his twelve unlikely apprentices so precisely. God is in the habit of selecting us for big things, even when our beginnings are small, less than picturesque and, in Rahab’s case, far from ideal by humanity’s estimation.
The defining moment for Rahab was when she first recognized that the God of Israel was bigger than any other god she had ever known. She told the Israelite spies she harbored that when she heard of their God and what He had done for them in Egypt, her heart “melted in fear.” (Joshua 2:11).
Second, once Rehab recognized the fate of her city was sealed, she was willing to act. Rahab risked everything she had to put her own life, and her family’s life, on the side of faith. One of the most wonderful (and terrifying) things of this beautiful, daily walk with Christ is that we also must take the same posture. When we position ourselves to recognize that God is bigger than anything else in our life, and when we are willing to act in faith, He can use us in a powerful way, regardless of our past, our title, or status.
Action Steps
- Do you feel shame or inadequacy from your past? Is there a part of your story that you think disqualifies you from being used by God? Be encouraged! God can redeem anyone or anything.
- Take a moment to examine your life and ask God if there is something He is calling you to do. Then ask Him for His help in taking the first step toward doing just that!
Prayer
Father, my loving Creator, I thank You for caring for me, a nobody. Some days it feels like I can take on the world, but other days, I struggle to find meaning or significance and I can’t reasonably see how You could possibly use me. Help me to remember that You have a specific purpose for me and that when I am obedient to Your calling, You can use me to achieve Your plan. Amen.
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