Kindred Moment Column – Tri-County Women
News God can use anyone and everyone. God especially uses those with a past. Let’s look at the woman named Rahab. Remember her? In Joshua chapter 2, God moved on General Joshua’s heart to send two spies to view the land of Jericho before the children of Israel could enter. Rahab was the person who helped save the lives of the spies sent by Joshua. Joshua sent out these two spies to scout out the city of Jericho. Joshua 2:2 says, “ So they went and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab and lodged there.” So here we have it in writing. “They came to the house of a harlot” – hmmm, two men entering into the house of a harlot. Not a good idea. But God had prepared Rahab’s house, a safe place for the spies, and a very unlikely hiding place. Her reputation preceeded her, she was a harlot, a prostitute, a promiscuous woman. Her house was where she did her business of ill-repute and it was the last place that might be expected to be a safe haven. And that’s the way God wanted it. The king of Jericho had somehow heard that these men were in Rahab’s house. The king asked Rahab in verse 3, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out the country.” Rahab defied the king’s order by protecting the men in hiding. She told them is verse 4, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from.” In the meantime, Rahab had hidden the men on her roof and after the king’s men had left, she gave the spies directions about further avoiding their pursuers. God used a woman with a past of promiscuity to provide a future and a hope of promise for His people. How could this be? Rahab believed God. In Joshua 2:9 - 10, she says, “I know that the Lord has given you the land…for we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea…and how you utterly destroyed the Amorites.” God performed His works to testify His power and His intent to rule His people. His works not only evidenced His plan but also paved the way for new understanding about God by Rahab and her family. God’s miracles are a testimony of His continued involvement in everything He does for His people. Rahab knew who dried up the Red Sea and also who was responsible for the victory over the mighty Amorites. Rahab was drawn to this powerful God because of His works. Rahab desired God. This is such an exciting verse, in Joshua 2:11, “And as soon as we heard these things our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” God used His works to penetrate Rahab’s heart. Though her heart was undoubtedly hardened by a lifestyle of prostitution, God’s powerful works melted her heart. She believed God’s works and desired His powerful protection and transformation in her own life. I love this part, it shows us that we need to let God do things in His way. He is ultimately responsible for heart change and life transformation. How many hearts have you melted today, by sharing the works God has done in your life? Rahab served God. This decision had been made before the spies came to her door for protection. God had prepared Rahab to serve Him and God led the spies to her so they would be spared. At the opportune moment, Rahab asked the spies to remember her. In Joshua 2:12, “Now therefore, I beg you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you will show kindness to my father’s house…and deliver our lives from death.” Rahab knew that God was the only one who could save she and her family, so the petition for help was timely. Yet Rahab had served God with no guarantee. In fact, she didn’t even get to ask the spies if they would return the favor until after the fact. Rahab, a woman with a history of promiscuity. Rahab, in her past, a harlot, a transformed heart which resulted in positive, holy choices. Rahab risked her life, the lives of her family for protection because she believed God, she desired God and she served God. Rahab – a testimony of the power of God in a life change of promiscuity to promise. Rahab made her way not only into the path of Joshua because of her faith but also into the lineage of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:5,6 – Rahab was the mother of Boaz, the father of Jesse who became the father of King David. Hebrews 11:31 says, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” Bight promise and hope through Rahab’s choices. Many lives were spared and history was changed because this woman with a past allowed God to transform her with His promise. God can use anyone and everyone. God especially
uses those with a past.
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