Devotion for October 1, 2008

The Faith of Rahab

Joshua 2:1-24

This passage always raises the question, “Is lying for a good reason OK?” While it is clear that God allowed Rahab to secure the safety of the men this in no way says that God sanctioned her lies. A lie is a lie and those who lie will give an account for their lies. It is clear however that Rahab was forgiven her sin of lying as she was also converted.

Taking a closer look at Rahab one can see that her righteousness was imputed because of her hospitality not her lies. “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) It was her belief in God that caused her to receive the spies with peace. Now being a heathen and the likely hood of her loose morals lying probably came very easily to her lips. Remember she was a babe in Christ at this point.

Had she been a mature believer, she may have found another way of escape like silence. However, this you say would have raised suspicion and given the men up. Let me point out that God is capable of anything. We have the facts of the case recorded for us, but we don’t have every possible scenario recorded for us. Did not God close the mouths of the lions (Dan. 6:22), and see His servants walk in the midst of the furnace without harm (Dan. 3:26)? In addition, didn’t Jesus walk out of the crowd undetected (John 8:59)? My dear friends beware of basing your theology only on human reason. Rahab could have pointed straight at the men and yelled, “There they are!” Had she done so their safety would have been no less secure!

God is the only one who can protect His children, and this He will do. Rahab is given a scarlet ribbon to place in her window as a sign to the attacking Israelites to do no harm. Could it be that ribbon was a picture of Christ’s blood? Very likely this is the case.

My dear friends when God looks upon you will He see the scarlet cord? Place your faith in the blood of Christ for only it will cause the wrath of God to pass by. Judgment came upon Jericho and all were killed save Rahab and her family because she believed God.