Faith of Different Extraordinary Women of the Bible ~ Rahab

2nd November 2023

Rahab: a daughter; a woman, the only woman actually whose family was saved from the fall of the city of Jericho during the Israelites’ wars to possess the Promised Land. Everything Rahab was but she was a prostitute., a woman, men and women are told not to get involved with throughout history.

Rahab’s story is truly fascinating. It is a tale of many things but above all, God’s love, obedience, grace, promises and mercy; new beginnings. A story of love and grace for the people who were chosen and those who chose to obey the TRUE God. It’s beautiful how God loves, pursues and goes all the way for those who fear Him.

So, what can we learn from Rahab in this life and age where we have all these people around us, with different emotions, characteristics, different career choices some circumstantial; behaviours? And we have to live, abiding in Jesus, depending fully on the Holy Spirit and obeying God faithfully every day. Here are some of my takeouts from Rahab’s life.

1. Unconventional Faith:

Rahab’s story is a testament to the power of faith and the unwavering belief in God’s supremacy. Despite being a woman in a society where her profession as a prostitute might have defined her, Rahab refused to let her past or societal expectations restrict her. Instead, she boldly embraced a belief in the unseen, recognizing that her circumstances did not define her identity or her future.

The faith demonstrated by Rahab serves as a timeless reminder that our past does not necessarily dictate our future. Rahab’s transformation from a marginalized figure to a revered example of faith showcases the transformative power that belief can have on our lives.

Rahab’s story also exemplifies the incredible possibilities that arise when we put our trust in God. By aligning her will and actions with God’s divine purpose, Rahab was able to participate in an extraordinary plan and ultimately played a crucial role in the Israelites’ conquest of Jericho.

This account of Rahab’s faith is a powerful lesson for all of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. It teaches us that even in the most unconventional or challenging situations, faith can serve as a guiding light, leading us towards new beginnings, redemption, and fulfilment.

When God lets you into something, even for a glimpse of what His plan is, obey. It will surely save lives. Hebrews 11:31 (NIV): “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

2. Courageous Choices:

Rahab’s decision to hide the Israelite spies, risking her life and defying her city, showcases immense courage. In a world where choices can be challenging, Rahab’s bravery encourages us to make choices based on our convictions, even when it goes against the norm. See, Jericho has heard of the Israelites. This nation whose God is doing the impossible.

He literally came down and saved them out of Egypt, through the desert. And it is this people that God fed and sustained over 40 years until this time, Moses and his generation are dead and God is ready to move them to settlement. So, Rahab and these people hearing of the mighty acts of God, were scared, lost heart and had none spirit (strength) within them.

Joshua 2: 9-13 …and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you… Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family because I have shown kindness to you

But even in the middle of this, Rahab knew one thing, choose the TRUE God and side with his people. So she hid them when they came to spy.

Joshua 2:4-6 (NIV): “But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.”

3. Rahab and the Scarlet Cord of Redemption:

Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the Lord gives us the land.”

After this, Rahab lets them down by a rope and they leave the city to the hills.  Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house.”

So Rahab did tie that scarlet cord or rope. So, the scarlet cord Rahab used to lower the spies from her window becomes a powerful symbol. It represented her faith, trust, and obedience. In 2023, we can learn to symbolize our belief in God’s redemptive power through our actions and choices. In this year and age, it is easy to become critical of what the Holy Spirit says. We tend to question everything mostly because we do not listen well to instructions.

And most of the time, we forget that God moves and works through people. When God tell you to do something, sometimes it is senseless under normal thinking. Hear me right, Rahab did not know when the Israelites were gonna capture the city so that scarlet rope had to stay hanging until that day Jericho was defeated. Joshua 2:18

Reminder to Rahab

“Unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house.”

Joshua 2:18 (NIV)

What is the craziest thing you had peace doing? I mean not crazily insane, Holy Ghosts crazy. That you knew it was the right thing just that it wouldn’t make sense to anyone who heard of it. The essence of time goes with OBEDIENCE. God is reminding me, that if you obey, when it is HIS time, God will make it all work out. Isaiah 60:22

Of course, grace is immeasurable and the mercies of God know no end. But if it is something that we should do in this lifetime, and since we do not know when Christ is coming back, death is for us all. So, time is of the essence and obedience is KEY.

4. Salvation for All:

Rahab’s belief not only saved herself but extended to her relatives. In 2023, her story teaches us about the impact our faith can have on those around us. Salvation, for Rahab, meant not just personal deliverance but the opportunity for her whole household to experience God’s grace.

What would her relatives have been thinking when she told them of the promise? That is a good question. Did they judge her? But it was through listening to her, that they got saved in the end. Is there any person God spoke to you through but your judgement clouded the message? What happened after?

It is true faith is personal but as we believe, we can choose and believe for our loved ones for health and salvation as well. All the miracles of Jesus show this clearly. They lowered their friend, the centurion sought Jesus for his servant. Jairo sought Jesus for his daughter. Jesus fed the 5000 for the 5000 and for His disciples to strengthen their faith. Lazarus for Martha and Mary. The 12, for the Jews; Paul for the Gentiles. Faith is grown personally but for many.

Joshua 2:19 (NIV): “If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them.”

5. Lessons from Rahab’s Trust and Obedience:

Rahab’s story emphasizes the importance of trust and obedience in our relationship with God. Her actions were a testament to her trust in God’s promises, and her obedience led to salvation. We can learn to trust God even in the face of uncertainty and obey His guidance in our lives. During this life, we gain and lose many, and we cultivate in different places.

But only through obedience to whom God calls us, we gain a glorious end. It can be in marriage, relationships or career. We as the right seed, blooms when we are in the right soil, climate and environment.

Joshua 2:21 (NIV): “She said, ‘According to your words, so be it.’ Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.”

Final Word on Rahab as one of the Women of Faith

Rahab’s story, as recorded in the biblical narrative, continues to serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. Her narrative, which spans different cultural, historical, and theological contexts, offers valuable insights and valuable lessons that transcend time and societal expectations.

Rahab’s story reminds us of how we can act as a seed to those around us. How our faith in God, when is strong and unwavering, can help those around us to experience God’s love, miracles and grace. How our trust in Him has changed us for the better with that abounding peace and joy that no man can give.

With that trust that, no matter what the circumstance, His love won’t change for us and as long as we live, we can reach out to Him and mend our ways for His Way.

And just like Rahab, what or who we were before hearing His message and testimony of Who He Is should never become an obstacle or a reason to not reaching out to Him. Regardless of our background, nationality, or social status, our actions have the power to change lives. And yes, break down barriers, and offer hope to those who may feel forgotten.

ALSO, TRUST when God says to trust. May God open our eyes to see in people what HE does. Let us see people beyond the colour, status, brands and nationalities. He walks and lives through anyone OBEDIENT.

Hold on to obedience, trust, faith, the promise, His love, and will. Tie that scarlet cord and hold on. He is God and He is EVER FAITHFUL.

“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)

If you missed about Sarah 🙂 And here is our next lesson on Esther