March 19 I Saturday

Joshua 1-3

Mark 16

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah…Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab…”   —Matthew 1:1, 5

When we read through the New Testament, we begin to realize the impact of Rahab’s actions. We find Rahab listed in the famous “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. The author of Hebrews records, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient” (Hebrews 11:31). Also, in the book of James, Rahab is used as an example of how to live out one’s faith. James writes, “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?” (James 2:24-25). What is interesting about Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:24-25 is that they are both explicit about who they are talking about—Rahab the prostitute—before elaborating on her faith and righteousness. This is because when we place our faith in God, He does not leave us in our sin. He comes in, redeems us, transforms us and takes us to be His bride.

      There is so much about the gospel in the story of Rahab and Jericho because we, like Jericho, will face judgment one day, appearing before a holy and righteous God to face the punishment for our sins. If we are in Christ, just as Rahab was in the house when the walls of Jericho collapsed, God will spare us. He will uphold His Word and secure us in the rock of Christ. Not only that, He will also take us to be His own, to be His bride.

      The King of kings can turn our filthy rags into righteousness. King Jesus has gone to prepare a place and promised one day to come for us and bring us to be with Him. It will be a day of rejoicing, but also a day of judgment and destruction. For those, like Rahab, who have surrendered to His love, they will forever be incorporated into His name. But for those who, like Jericho, have refused the message of Yahweh, they will suffer everlasting destruction and complete annihilation.

      As we reflect on the story of Rahab, may we not harden our hearts like the people of Jericho. But like Rahab, may we choose to place our faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done on our behalf, and God will grant us righteousness—not a righteousness of our own, but one from God that makes us stand before Him without blemish, perfect without accusation.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I choose to place my faith in You. I look forward to the day when I will be with You forever in Your home. Thank You, Lord.