“For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Joshua 2:11 NLT After escaping from the clutches of the Egyptian Pharaoh forty years earlier, the Israelites had ended their desert wandering and were preparing for their next step. Camped on the east side of the Jordan River eyeing the Promised Land on the other side, they listened carefully to the instructions of their new leader, Joshua. In this story of the taking of Jericho, several characters play important roles. Among them, one ordinary woman stood out from the crowd, making a significant impact on her family for generations. The Ordinary One: Before crossing the Jordan, Joshua sent two spies to reconnoiter in and around Jericho. Arriving at the house of Rahab, a local prostitute, they discreetly obtained the information Joshua needed. However, someone overheard their conversation and notified the King of Jericho who promptly had Rahab questioned. She, knowing that “the Israelite God was the supreme God of the heavens and earth,” lied, sending the King’s men away to look for the Israelites elsewhere. Then, hurrying back to the spies, she made them promise, because of her help, to save her whole family from destruction when their army came to capture Jericho. Upon promising to do so, Rahab showed them a secret exit from the city so that they could return safely to Joshua with their report. (Joshua 2)
The Significance: One week later, on the day that God would hand over Jericho to the Israelites for destruction, Joshua included in his instructions for the assault, “Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies.” As a result of recognizing the one true God, she, “her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives . . . were moved to a safe place near the camp of Israel” (6:17, 22, 23). Rahab’s beliefs and actions saved all the members of her family.
My Reflection: Amazing! Rahab’s convictions saved dozens of people. Further, not only did Rahab’s family survive the Israelite onslaught, she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus! One ordinary, yet brave, woman made a significant difference! Thinking about this story, I am in awe of her courage to stand alone in her convictions. I wonder if any decision I have made has had such a similar impact on my family. Perhaps only time will tell. Although my family has not been under threat from an invading army, we are under daily spiritual attacks by the evil one who “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Knowing this, I must “take a firm stand against him, and be strong in [my] faith” (5:9). Without doubt, even though I am also an ordinary one, committing my life to Jesus, praying for the salvation of my family members, and standing firm in my faith are significant actions in God’s eyes. Lord, I pray that in all situations I will make decisions that honour you, thereby allowing your blessings to flow upon my family and the generations that follow!
(originally published Nov 2008)
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