Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from [a]Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So, they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and [b]lodged there. Joshua 2:1 NKJV
I was watching a TV series of the Israelites journey to the Promised Land recently. The story of Rahab captivated me afresh, not only because she was one of the few women mentioned in Jesus’ lineage in the Bible but from a curiosity about her life.
Rahab was described as a prostitute. Now we know the word ‘prostitute’ immediately brings a stigmatised image even in the purest of mind. Rahab was a woman many mothers would keep their daughters away from. A woman most wives would have cursed. A woman, men despised yet are drawn to but hated her for it. I could imagine the society’s response to her.
Rahab lived in the walled city of Jericho. Her house was on the wall by the gate, convenient for her profession – sex with many for money. Her house was also quite convenient as lodging for the Hebrew spies.
The bible did not expatiate on how the spies were found out and reported to the king. What made me curious was why Rahab helped them? How did she cone to believe in the God of Hebrews? And if she could have faith even in her profession what was her story – what led her to prostitution?
The Israelites crossed the Jordan and conquered the Promise land under the leadership of Joshua. The magnificent exploits of God through Moses would have been told and retold to nations in that area throughout the forty years of the Israelites sojourn in the wilderness. It is possible that Rahab through her profession in meeting many traders and visitors to Jericho heard of these mighty acts – testimonies that ignited something in her. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.
What Rahab heard was not just information to her. It ignited a faith in her to say to these spies, “I know that the Lord has given you the land…”
What faith just by hearing. To be continued
#Prayerfortheweek
Almighty Father, thank You for the gift of my life and salvation. Thank You for Your Holy Scripture that helps us to know You more. Help me to be not only hearer of Your words but believer and doer as well. May my faith continue to grow in Christ Jesus. To the glory of Your Holy Name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I pray that this inspires you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him in 2020.
#AdeolaAkintoye©
#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2020
No comments:
Post a Comment