The RQ-170 Sentinel is a sophisticated, secretive, unmanned stealth aircraft used to collect intelligence before and during military operations. It’s believed that this spy drone played a critical role in surveilling the compound in Pakistan where Osama bin Laden was hiding in the months before he was killed.
In another age, “Operation Occupy Canaan” had commenced. The military commander leading an attack on the highly fortified city of Jericho needed accurate intel on the enemy forces. It was no surprise that “Joshua secretly sent out two spies” to “scout out the land . . . especially around Jericho” (Joshua 2:1). But God’s strategy for conquering the city didn’t require such intel. So, we ask ourselves, Did the spies risk their lives unnecessarily in entering enemy territory? (Joshua 2:2-7).
While Joshua sent the spies to collect intel, God led them “to the house of a prostitute” to make contact with a woman who confessed, “The Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below” (Joshua 2:1,11). Rahab’s faith, proven genuine by her helping the spies, brought her into the family of God (Hebrews 11:31). She later married Salmon, whose son Boaz married Ruth and became the father of Obed, the grandfather of Jesse, and the great-grandfather of David (Matthew 1:4-6; Ruth 4:20-22). This Canaanite prostitute was an ancestor of Jesus!
“The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). “He cares for those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7 NIV). God sent the two spies into enemy territory to save Rahab! (Joshua 2:17-21). “For the Lord . . . will not forsake His faithful ones” (Psalm 37:28 NIV) and “their inheritance will endure forever” (Psalm 37:18).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 13:1-12
More:
How do these verses (Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 32:17-19; John 10:27-29) assure you of God’s presence, power, protection, and preservation of those who belong to Him?
Next:
What does God’s undeserved and saving grace mean to you? How does Rahab’s story bring you encouragement today?
tom felten on October 28, 2013 at 9:37 am
KT, I’m reminded of the apostle Paul who wrote: “’Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).Yes, God uses sinners like Rahab, Paul, and me. I praise and thank Him for His grace!
Wayne on October 28, 2013 at 12:13 pm
I believe Felten said it right ! Me too.
GChoo on October 28, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Yes, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end…. as God promised us in Lamentation 3:22-23. It is so reassuring that whatever bad we have committed before, God will always forgive us when we repent and follow His ways.
K.T. thank you for the scriptures directing us to understand more of God’s compassion and unfailing love for us sinners.
mike wittmer on October 29, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Thank you for reminding me that Jesus includes a lot of sinners in his family, and “he is not ashamed to call us brothers” (Hebrews 2:11).
winn collier on October 31, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I’ve always thought Rahab was one amazing lady. I’d really like to meet her.
daisymarygoldr on November 10, 2013 at 12:13 pm
There are all kinds of commentaries on Rahab ranging from “skeletons in Christ’s cupboard” to “From harlot to heroine”. Some have psychologized her prostitution to commend promiscuity while others have used her example to ask “Is it right to lie in certain circumstances?”
No matter how people interpret this story, it is always best to consider what the Holy Spirit has to say about Rahab because as the divine author only He can correctly explain why her story is included in the Bible.
The last word on Rahab is in James 2:25. Abraham and Rahab are two examples from the Old Testament signifying God’s plan of salvation that includes everyone who believes: both the Jew and gentile.
You have rightly pointed out God’s undeserving saving grace. True, by grace we have been saved through faith. James mentions Rahab to illustrate the futility of faith alone. Rahab simply did not believe in God but also worked out her salvation. Point is: we are saved not only by believing in God—but also by our acts of obedience to His Word.