The story of Rahab in Joshua 2:1-14 is a story of hope and God's ability to see the heart that men and women are unable to glimpse. Rahab was a prostitute living in Jericho and the time the Israelites were coming into the promised land. Joshua had sent two spies to survey the land and especially the city of Jericho. Upon entering the city they were led to the house of Rahab and found shelter there. However, they did not enter the house unnoticed and soon word reached the king that two Israeli's were hiding in the house of Rahab. The king sent messengers to order Rahab to give up the Israeli's and she chose instead to lie to the king. She sent the guards on a wild goose chase in the night. She then went to the Israeli's and begged for the life of her and her family when they came to invade the city.
.
Her testimony is incredible. She tells the spies that when the people heard that the Israelites were coming, the terror of their God filled their hearts and melted them. Indeed, they have heard the stories of His power in Egypt, and of the cities of Shion and Og. She knew that if she handed the spies over to her king this would only postpone the destruction that was to come. So, she appealed for her life and the lives of her family. Clearly, Rahab knew what God was capable of doing and so while she was a sinner and one who our judgemental society today would look down upon, God saw her heart and that made all the difference.
.
When the Israelites did come upon the city they utterly destroyed everyone in it, except for the household of Rahab. But, this is not the end of her story. Because God saw her heart and knew she feared and worshipped Him, He used her in the family tree that brought Jesus into the world. What an incredible testimony of the heart of God. Most people today would laugh and scoff that such a person is worthy to live, yet the Father saw something much deeper and much purer that we cannot glimpse. And that is why hope is so powerful. We may be lost in societies eyes, but in the eyes of the one who sees everything we have a hope of something much better. This woman heard the stories about God's power in other places. She heard the outcome of those stories. She knew that Jericho's outcome would not be any different and so she sought salvation. Testimony always precedes God, and His story cannot be suppressed or stopped. What will we do when the testimony reaches our ears. Will we try futilely to change the outcome by our own power or will we like Rahab come before Him in fear and acknowledge that you oh God are all powerful and I worship you and please bring me into your salvation?
.
These are the hearts that God uses to change the world. A prostitute is in the family tree of our savior. Teach me Father how to glimpse the hearts of those that I do not like. Let me see them as You see them, and show me my own heart and teach me to worship you and fear you as Rahab did so long ago.
