"So Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute and her relatives who were with her in the house, because she had hidden the spies Joshua sent to Jericho. And she lives among the Israelites to this day." (Joshua 6: 25, NLT)
The walls of Jericho have just fallen. Joshua and the priests have marched around the city seven times, sounded the rams' horns and shouted as loud as they could. They will now destroy the city and all that is within it. But, what about Rahab and her kin---what's so special about them?
"Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. She lived on the edge of society, just one stop short of rejection. Her house, built right into the city wall, provided both lodging and favors to travelers. Rahab chose to hide the two spies, that had been sent by Joshua to check out the city, in spite of knowing it could be dangerous. However, she took on the risk because she sensed that the Israelites relied on a God worth trusting. And, God rewarded Rahab by promising safety for her and her family." (footnote from Life Application Bible)
Rahab is a relative of Boaz, and thus an ancestor of David and Jesus. She is one of only two women listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. She was also a prostitute. But, that doesn't seem to matter much. Look at what God accomplished through her. God works through people, like Rahab, even when we or society may reject them. He remembered her because of her faith, not her profession.
Look around you. Do you see the town bootlegger? The local drug dealer? Could God possibly use them to carry out a greater plan? There may be those you view as being a failure, or possibly even yourself, but remember that Rahab rose above her situation through her trust in God. So can you and others---have faith!
God, it's not over 'til it's over. Help me to see the potential within myself even when I see my failures. Let me see others the way you do---the goodness instead of the weakness. Amen.
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