Rahab: Changed Her Profession

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31 (NKJV)

Growing up as a PK (preacher's kid) had its advantages. I learned many life lessons just from listening and watching as my dad invested time into the people he led in his ministry. The memories of struggles some of those people faced, and the effects their decisions had on family members helped to shape the direction I would take in my life. It never failed, when someone chose to turn their back on God's ways, they found themselves in misery and regret. As for those who walked with God, I saw blessing and honor in their lives.

In Joshua 2, we meet a woman named Rahab. Rahab was a harlot, or prostitute, in the city of Jericho. Her house was built right into the city wall, providing convenient lodging and favors to travelers. When the Israelite spies chose to stay in her home, they knew her profession would provide a cover for them; they would be Rahab's customers in the eyes of her neighbors. The location of her house also provided an easy escape for them if needed.

Israel had been on the move and God was using a new leader, Joshua, to direct them to the Promised Land. It was only a matter of time until Jericho, a strongly fortified city, would face the Israelite army. They were afraid because they had heard the news of God's extraordinary power in defeating the armies across the Jordan River. God directed the spies to Rahab's house because He knew her heart was open to Him. She hid the spies on the rooftop of her home under piles of drying flax stalks. When the king's messengers questioned her, she lied to them and sent them outside the city walls in pursuit of the spies. Her explanation for her actions is in verse 10 and 11. She heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for the Israelites as they came out of Egypt, and what they did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan; they were completely destroyed. People in Jericho had lost their courage. She said, "For the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath." With her trust in God, and understanding the danger of her situation, she begged the spies to spare her and her family from death. They promised her safety, and then she helped them escape by letting them down by a rope through the window on the city wall. She was willing to risk everything she had, including her life, for a God she barely knew. She put her trust in Him and did her best.

We should never measure a person's interest in God by his or her background, life-style, or appearance. It is only important that we let nothing stand in the way of sharing God with others. People are watching us, and as Christians, it is so important that our life-style and our appearance reflect the image of God. His power should be evident in our daily lives.

Rahab saw the power of God in the lives of the Israelite people and she believed in that power for herself. We can still worship this same powerful God! God was mighty enough to deliver Israel from wicked armies, and He is powerful to save us from death, just as He did for Rahab. Her profession as a harlot now stands in the shadow of her profession of faith in the God of Israel. She is recognized in Matthew 1:5, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25.

Lord, help us to recognize Your power in our lives and be willing to risk everything for You. We want You to be known and seen in us.

Janet Stutzman