I've been teaching a series of Sunday School lessons on girls/women in the Bible. I really have enjoyed my preparation and study of each one. I am learning so much more about these women and find myself admiring each one more than the last.
Rahab might not be a woman one would admire. Afterall, scripture calls her a prostitute. Rahab lived in Jericho, a city surrounded by a wall. Rahab was 10 when the Egyptians were drown in the Red Sea, she grew up with her whole community fearing the God of Isreal, "the one true God."
After 40 years in the wilderness, God chose Joshua to lead his people. Joshua sent 2 spies into Jericho, they were sought after by the soldiers and Rahab hid them on the roof of her home under some stalks. When they asked her if she had seen the 2 spies, she lied and said no. She told the spies to climb down the wall, but made them promise that when they came to destroy Jericho, that they would spare her and her family because she helped them. They told her to hang a red cord from her window and that would be the sign not to harm those in that house.
After the battle of Jericho, Rahab and her family lived with the Isrealites. She actually is the mother of Boaz, the great, great grandpa of King David. She was part of the messianic line of Jesus. She is mentioned in James - as a woman of faith. "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers and had sent them out the other way?" James 2: 25 and "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace." Hebrews 11:31
This is what I took from my own lesson. First the red cord...that of course is reference to the blood placed over the door at the time of the "pass over" of the death angel. Even more symbolic to us - once we apply the blood of Jesus to our life - we too are saved. Second, Rahab was a prostitute and God changed her heart and life. God also used her, in the messianic lineage of Jesus.
Rahab's actions, saved lives and revealed her heart of faith and showed us a woman who believed in God. Her example is still so relevant today. No matter our past, how "bad" we feel we have been, God can use us. God asks us to believe in him, live out our faith in actions - when we do, He can use us in powerful ways to change lives both now and for eternity.
My brother is a missionary, he chose to move to another country and live out his ministry on a large scale. Not many can do this, however, we can live out our ministry in our own "little world." No matter how small we feel our impact might be, we can make a difference.
I have thought about Rahab all week, thinking on all the mistakes I have made and taking comfort in the redemptive love of Jesus! I will never tire of seeing His conversion at work, not only in myself but others as well.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Rahab might not be a woman one would admire. Afterall, scripture calls her a prostitute. Rahab lived in Jericho, a city surrounded by a wall. Rahab was 10 when the Egyptians were drown in the Red Sea, she grew up with her whole community fearing the God of Isreal, "the one true God."
After 40 years in the wilderness, God chose Joshua to lead his people. Joshua sent 2 spies into Jericho, they were sought after by the soldiers and Rahab hid them on the roof of her home under some stalks. When they asked her if she had seen the 2 spies, she lied and said no. She told the spies to climb down the wall, but made them promise that when they came to destroy Jericho, that they would spare her and her family because she helped them. They told her to hang a red cord from her window and that would be the sign not to harm those in that house.
After the battle of Jericho, Rahab and her family lived with the Isrealites. She actually is the mother of Boaz, the great, great grandpa of King David. She was part of the messianic line of Jesus. She is mentioned in James - as a woman of faith. "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers and had sent them out the other way?" James 2: 25 and "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace." Hebrews 11:31
This is what I took from my own lesson. First the red cord...that of course is reference to the blood placed over the door at the time of the "pass over" of the death angel. Even more symbolic to us - once we apply the blood of Jesus to our life - we too are saved. Second, Rahab was a prostitute and God changed her heart and life. God also used her, in the messianic lineage of Jesus.
Rahab's actions, saved lives and revealed her heart of faith and showed us a woman who believed in God. Her example is still so relevant today. No matter our past, how "bad" we feel we have been, God can use us. God asks us to believe in him, live out our faith in actions - when we do, He can use us in powerful ways to change lives both now and for eternity.
My brother is a missionary, he chose to move to another country and live out his ministry on a large scale. Not many can do this, however, we can live out our ministry in our own "little world." No matter how small we feel our impact might be, we can make a difference.
I have thought about Rahab all week, thinking on all the mistakes I have made and taking comfort in the redemptive love of Jesus! I will never tire of seeing His conversion at work, not only in myself but others as well.
Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.
Wonderful post, Jacky.. She was a woman of faith who acted on her beliefs.. So glad for the Grace of our God and His mercy that is extended to us each morning.. It is great that you are teaching now.. God bless..xo
ReplyDeleteHi Jacky! Yes, God's grace is AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this teaching! It's wonderful how God uses people like Rahab for His Glory! I like what you said, "I never tire of seeing His conversion at work, not only in myself, but others as well." Very well said! Thanks for sharing! Blessings from Bama!
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