Rahab went from Wanton to Worthy to Wed in a line of royalty.

An assignment From God and an application of a scarlet cord through faith helped conceal God’s chosen spies and changed Rahab’s life forever.

Rahab lived in Jericho a prominent city located near the Jordan River which was walled and fortified against possible attacks.  This city was likely a prosperous venue with a highly sought after position because of its location promoting commerce and trade on prime real estate near the river. Rahab reportedly owned a brothel working as a “ladies man” with her venue located just inside the wall of the city being easily approachable, especially in the night, or without entering inside the city by way of the busy gate in daytime hours. 

Joshua sent two Israelites to spy out the situation in Jericho.  Because Rahab had her covert business in the wall of the city including a discreet entrance likely the two men alighted there first however word quickly spread in this bustling city about two men who were strangers and commissioned spies lodged for the night in Rahab’s house.  This circumstance angered the King of Jericho who wasted no time in sending his chief henchmen to her house seeking out the two men who had cleverly infiltrated into his city meant to be well protected from such occurrences.  The King’s men approached Rahab hastily to locate these two intruders who purportedly infiltrated inside the city through the walls as they also made sure the city gate was secured allowing nobody in or out hoping to prevent an escape by these men.

Rahab was a lady of the night who was able to think quickly on her feet perceiving trouble was at hand as she received an urgent knock at her door she recognized straightway a leading to hide these two men, who were spies, removing them to her roof to a more secure hiding place under piles of flax spread out to dry.  Meanwhile she answered the door and boldly admitted to the King’s men that indeed the men they were looking for had been in her house but were no longer present having no idea where they had gone. 

Now many who recount this biblical event have a hard time understanding how a lie begets anything good but Rahab was led to be obedient in this particular manner aiding these men in their mission in obedience to God.  In fact her decision was exactly what was warranted to protect the spies who were acting in obedience to the will of God.  They were protected by Rahab who was obedient immediately, despite her choice of a horrid lifestyle, she was available when this “God opportunity” came about.  She arose to the occasion to be obedient unto God.

There was much evil and wickedness brewing in this city and because Rahab did not falter when prompted she was to be rewarded for her obedience by God by preservation of her life and that of her family when the Israelite Army came to besiege and take over Jericho.  God does use individuals who are available and willing not necessarily people who “look” and “act” the part in the natural eyes of people around them.  God knew Rahab’s heart viewing her spiritually from inside out.

First, this spiritual event is a shiny example that it is never too late or that one’s horrible sin is too horrid to flee or turn away from their from sin viewing it as God sees it.  Rahab was prompted by God to renounce her wicked lifestyle as she was convicted of her sin and straightway fell into obedience with God acting upon His will for her life.  Secondly, this stands as a shining example; a vividly painted picture of God’s grace and mercy.  No matter the depth of sin God desires all mankind to hear His call and turn their heart and mind unto His will for their life.

Rahab indeed did choose right helping these two men God had divinely placed on her pathway.  Jericho was a city which was overwhelmed with flagrant sin; and God deemed it necessary destroy the city and the evil along with it; however He chose to spare Rahab and her family.  This speaks to the wonderful opportunity all of us have to personally possess eternal life and display God’s character and likeness to those living around us.  Rahab’s one choice was going to speak volumes to her family, preserve their lives, and stand as an example throughout time for othersas well.  Once seemingly small choice by Rahab leads time and time again to much glory and honor for God.

Rahab exhibited great faith in concealing these men never faltering or swaying in her decision in helping these men.  Her faithful choice was instantaneous and God took notice of her willingness to live for Him allowing Him to preserve her life.

Rahab was given clear instructions about leaving a three string burgundy cord hanging in her window which could be clearly seen by the Israelite Army as they approached to take over Jericho.  This cord was to be a sign for preservation of life in the residence of Rahab.  This is clearly a reference to the blood applied to the doorpost of the house in the Old Testament which brought about preservation or eternal life to the inhabitants during the Passover earlier in ancient biblical history.  Both these Old Testament spiritual events point to an eternal safeguarding of life by God throughout biblical times.

As the army approached Rahab did not place faith in the walls surrounding her for protection or her family which were with her but her faith was resting in the promises of God. The army did just as God had promised; Rahab and her family’s life was spared.  They were led to safety outside the wall of the city along with the saving of personal effects.  Not only did her good works preserve her life but her family’s life as well.  How far do your own works reach in changing another person’s life; often we may not realize the power that God has working in us and through us; changing us and others’ lives around us.

The Bible tells us Rahab was led by faith and perished not: and was also greatly rewarded in the New Testament times by appearing in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Christ took Rahab’s former putrid life moving her from thispit of great sin unto living for Him.  She eventually wed and had a child to a man named salmon and all were mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ; therefore Rahab’s name ended up written in royal lineage in family of The King of Kings.

Rahab was also included in what many call the “Faith Hall of Fame” in chapter eleven of Hebrews.  The Bible only recorded godly things to say of Rahab once she followed God’s will for her life through faith indicating Rahab turned her back to her former wicked sinful lifestyle becoming  a vessel broken and useful for God.  God saw her faith not her sinful past which was covered in the shed blood.

Through faith and obedience God was able to changer her life forever.

 Applications for ladies from the life of Rahab:

No matter how sinful and wicked your life has been those who hear God’s calling through darkness surrounding them can instantaneously become willing vessels useful unto Him.  God can take a life marred by sin and shame making it into something to honor and glorify Him through faith and obedience.  No sin is too big for the mercy and grace of God for those who eagerly receive His call opening up the door to their heart.

God does not seek individuals according to their outer appearance or works as a man would look upon another man with their natural vision.  God seeks individuals supernaturally according to the condition of their inner heart.  Only God can see inside a person’s heart not judging from exterior circumstances or from man’s limited understanding and worldly based viewpoint.  God’s ways are higher and perfect more than man can ever comprehend.  His calling is available for any who hear His voice; in biblical times and today as well.

Often women in this hectically paced world are busy and preoccupied with things of life.  They are both turned off and tuned out of having any possibility of hearing God’s call; or having heard fail to live in obedience to His will for their life.  Either they choose to heed to the beguiling voice of the god of this world which has frantically worked to dull their spiritual sense; or they have suppressed the truth of God choosing instead to be rebellious refusing to heed His call. God leaves them to rot and waste away amid their sinful lifestyle removing any opportunity to accept His free gift placing personal faith in His finished work on the cross.  Are you busy about life choosing to ignore God, or busy about the holy spiritual business of God?

Any women who “try to be good and moral” along with those who have made poor sinful choices in their life can freely accept through faith His gift of the unlimited mercy, grace, and goodness of God; He does still turns ashes in beauty and caterpillars into beautiful butterflies.  In the timeline of Rahab’s life God’s Word did not yet exist in the finished form we have today nor had Jesus Christ physically live upon this earth.  However, Rahab was able to discern God’s leading and calling for her life; how much more should we be familiar and spiritually intimate with Him today.  

Rahab received new life; going from wanton to wedded to a Savior and a husband creating that perfect spiritual triangle rooted in love and bringing supernatural peace and royalty to her life.  Are you living a life based on eternal principles of a royal King;The Kings of Kings?  Or foolishly following after the god of this world who is eagerly leading good people straight to Hell?

Read previously published devotions in this Women of Grace Series:

Eve     Abagail    Miriam    Esther    Sarai   Deborah   Biblically Based Roles of Men and Women