Daily Devotion, January 4, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Joshua 2:1-7.

Joshua sent out two spies from the Israelite camp in order to get information about the city for the upcoming battle. God directed the spies to the house of Rahab, a prostitute. He allowed this prostitute to play a role in shaping Israel because he knew she was ready to be an instrument. When Joshua sent spies into the city, Rahab hid them in her house. In exchange for safe passage out of the city, they promised to spare her and her household when the invasion took place. All she had to do was to hang a scarlet cord from her window so the Israelites could identify her house. She agreed, hid the spies, and when the king of Jericho sent messengers asking her to bring out the men, she lied and said they had already left the city (they were hiding on the roof). She let them out of a window with a rope, and they returned to Joshua. When the invasion came, she was spared and in the course of time became the great-great grandmother of King David. Rahab was a harlot, a Canaanite and a liar, but she also became a woman of faith. You wouldn't think she would have much chance of making the list of heroes of the faith, but there she is in Hebrews 11:31, "By faith Rahab . . ." She made the list and she's a part of Jesus' family tree. Rahab did what needed to be done, no matter the risk or consequence and became a hero of faith.

Personal Worship Option:

We meet Rahab at the early stages of her faith journey. Rahab is the first Gentile recorded in the Bible as having converted to Judaism. In addition, she is a great example of the power of God to transform us from our sinful state into the person he wants us to be. How does her story encourage you in your own faith journey?