Her faith and courage

Her faith and courage

Scripture: Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Matthew 1:5a

Observation: The second woman mentioned in the line of Jesus was Rahab, who was the wife of Salmon, and the mother of Boaz. Popularly, it is believed that this was the same Rahab as the converted harlot from Jericho who had hid the 2 spies from Joshua when they came to scout out the city and thus spared their lives. In return, when Joshua conquered Jericho, he spared Rahab and her family and she lived with the Israelites all her life.

There are four main lessons we can learn here. Firstly, Rahab’s presence in the genealogy right after Tamar shows God’s heart for not only the Jews but also the Gentiles. Our God is God of all people, regardless of race or color, and it is His will for everyone to become part of His own people.

Secondly, God’s amazing providence is shown in Rahab’s meeting with the 2 spies. God led the 2 spies to the right person, possibly the only person in Jericho favorably disposed to them. For Rahab too, it was a divinely arranged meeting that changed her whole life and destiny. For us too, we have a great and providential God who moves behind the scenes to lead us to divinely appointed meetings, where our lives and destinies can instantly change for the better at any given moment. Another fine example is Joseph meeting the cupbearer in prison.

Thirdly, Rahab’s faith and courage is a shining example for us all. In Hebrews 11, she is listed among the heroes of faith. It was Rahab’s faith and belief that the true God was with Israel that caused her to risk everything to help the spies. In James 2, Rahab’s actions are listed as an example of how faith must work together with deeds to be complete.

Finally, the scarlet cord used as the sign to spare Rahab and her family reminds us of the blood of Jesus. When the army came in and saw the scarlet cord, they spared everyone within but destroyed the rest in the city. For us, it is the blood of Jesus on us that is the sign to set us apart for salvation.

Application: Praise God that He loves all of us, regardless of age or sex or race or color. Trust in God to lead us to providential meetings, according to His will and good plans for us. Ask God for faith and courage like Rahab, to believe in God even as He leads us, and step out to serve Him where He may call us. Praise Jesus for His precious blood which covers us and gives us salvation from death.

Prayer: Praise You, Father in Heaven, for Your great love for all the people. It is Your will that none should perish, regardless of skin or age or sex or color. I will trust You O Lord, even as I go about my life, that You will lead me to providential meetings where I may glorify Your name and extend Your kingdom. Give me faith and courage like Rahab, and the will to step out where You call me. Praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your precious blood which washes away my sins, and covers me that I might be spared from judgment. In Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.