Rahab: Fearless

“Then the woman [Rahab]took the two men and hid them” (Joshua 2:4).

Have you ever done something in the heat of the moment that you could neither explain why you did it nor predict a good outcome? Most believers say they have had such a moment. It’s when God’s Spirit moves upon you in such a profound way that you say or respond to events or circumstances with a wholly unexpected method. Some have likened it to having an out-of-body experience. If you’ve had one, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, anticipate such a move of God on your heart because He wants to use us most unexpectedly to accomplish His will.

Rahab had one - an unexpected moment to glorify God. It was just an ordinary day, or so she thought. She was busy running her brothel in the walls of Jericho when two strangers entered her life. That’s right. Their appearance changed her life radically. Moreover, it impacted her parents and her siblings too. Guess what? Although it looks random in scripture, it was definitely not. Indeed, their coming was more than a mere coincidence. God guided it all and used Israel’s “frontman,” Joshua, to bring God’s plan to light. Watch this, though. This day had been coming since the foundation of the world, and it had the victory of Rahab’s salvation written all over it. Take notice because these men were no ordinary men. They were spies dispatched from Shittim to surveil the area, especially Jericho, and report to Joshua. Due to the nature of their work, I suspect this was not their inaugural call to faithfulness but rather another opportunity for them to honor God with their lives.

They planned to slip into her brothel, surveil the area, and report their findings. That was the mission. To them, it must have seemed an easy assignment. But, as it sometimes happens, things don’t go as planned. The king immediately knew aliens - foreigners - had entered Rahab’s home. So, in like kind and without delay, the king of Jericho dispatched his men to Rahab’s establishment to apprehend the strangers and, according to Joshua 2:3, the king’s directive was to “bring them out!” (Emphasis added.) The king’s men were to expose God’s spies and foil their plan to “surveil the land” and ultimately conquer it.

We must remember all the kings of nearby cities and towns - 31 of them feared the Israelites. (See Joshua 12:7-24.) Rahab confessed that everyone had heard of God’s parting the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharoah, his horses and all of his men as they were literally “swallowed up,” chariots too, by the sea after the Israelites had crossed over on dry land. Indeed, news of Israel’s deliverance had made them fainthearted. The Bible says: “hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed” because of the mighty strength of Israel’s God, who went before them and defeated their enemies. (See Joshua 2:9-11.) Rahab further confessed that Yahweh was God “in heaven above and the earth below.”

Most assuredly, the regional kings were no match for God, and in their hearts, they knew it. Their best hope was to band together, unite against Israel, and stop the Israelites before they, too, became Israel’s possession. Lest we forget, Jericho was the first opportunity for the Israelites to fight God’s battles because it lay directly in their path to the promised land. If it meant going through Jericho, so be it! After the victory at the Red Sea, the Israelites knew they would conquer under Joshua’s leadership and at God’s directive. But let’s not overlook the enemies part in our story. Here, we see proof of the world’s feeble attempt to “usurp, manage, or contain” our inscrutable, incomprehensible, and all-powerful God.

So what did Rahab do? In the blink of an eye, she lied to the king’s men, sending them away in a fruitless pursuit of God’s spies. Why did she do it? First, it was her moment, and second, it was God’s plan. Indeed, everything comes down to His plans, purposes, and promises. In that preordained moment - Rahab’s heart aligned with God, and she opened her mouth, and upon the threat of death - and the death of her family - she partnered with God. How? As she yielded to God’s move on her heart, her faith ignited and compelled her to action. Did it shake her? I’m sure it did. But we must remember that authentic faith is not dead. It is active and alive and yields excellent fruit for God with eternity in view. And it does so instantly! Rahab lied to save God’s spies, thereby concealing their identity and presence, hid them, and devised a plan for their escape. As she did, her actions supported her confession. She didn’t merely talk about faith; she lived it out. With no regard for her safety or her family’s, Rahab confirmed her confession through her actions and simply did the next right thing.

Consider this: Although historians believe as many as 2,500 people lived in Jericho, we only know the name of one - Rahab. Moreover, as far as we can see in scripture, she is the only person who came to faith – a woman who was a Gentile, a Canaanite, and a prostitute! She is commemorated in the books of Hebrews and James for her incredible faith and inspirational hope in God. We read in Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”

Instead, By faith, Rahab availed herself to God in peace, with no personal regard or fear of the outcome and despite the circumstances or consequences. Did Rahab truly believe? That looks like faith to me! The Bible defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Rahab trusted that what she heard and believed in her heart was true. Then, she responded with great hope in that reality. All believers are saved by grace through faith, even Rahab. Indeed, she believed at the appointed time, and her actions revealed the results.

What’s the takeaway? God wants to use us to advance His kingdom. So how do we make ourselves ready? By being prayerful, staying in The Word, waiting upon God, and anticipating His call to action. When He moves upon our hearts, we can respond accordingly, like Rahab, with hope in Him despite the obstacles in our path.

Believer, the next time you feel unpredictably compelled to give of yourself, confess it - speak it to life, and then with much gladness, do whatever God has required. Then, leave the results to Him. Saving faith like Rahab’s births faithful obedience to God’s Word despite the circumstances or consequences – in peace and without fear. Remember, a faithful God has not only called you, but He prepares the way, even parting the sea if needs be.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, keep us faithful. Help us hear your voice, respond to your Word, and yield accordingly as your Spirit brings it to performance in our lives. Our steadfast hope is in you, Jesus. Amen and amen.