The Israelites were encamped near Jericho’s mighty walls.  Joshua sent two spies into Jericho to scout it out.  They stayed in a house of a harlot which was built on the walls.  Her name was Rahab.

The king heard that spies were there and her house was searched.  She misdirected the soldiers to the hills beyond Jericho.  She had hidden the two men on her flat roof under sheaves of flax.
(Joshua 2:1-7)

Why would a pagan woman do such a thing?
(NIV) Joshua 2:9-13 “…‘I know that the Lord has given this land to you 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.  10We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.  11When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.  12Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you.”

Rahab asked for protection for herself and her family and the two spies agreed.  (Joshua 2:13-14)

The city of Jericho was destroyed and all living there were killed, except Rahab and her family.  Joshua kept the promise the two spies made with Rahab…all who were in her house were saved and Rahab’s family lived with the people of Israel.  (Joshua 6:21-25)

Rahab’s actions were due to her faith in the Lord God, the same God in whom we also can place our faith.  Faith in God with courageous action would be one way to describe Rahab.

The Lord God honored Rahab – she married an Israelite and had a son named Boaz – who would marry Ruth.  Rahab and Ruth were women whose faith was in the living God and they were both Gentiles.  Both of these women are listed in the genealogy of the Messiah.  (Matthew 1:5)

Rahab acted by faith in the living God.  Even today, a woman whose faith is in the same God has His backing, His mercies, His love and His strength.  Women are important to the God of the Holy Bible.  Women are important and are loved by Him.

Rahab could have been stopped by fears and anxieties.  Her faith was in the Lord God, the living God.  By faith, Rahab’s courageous actions resulted in Israel conquering Jericho.

Take it to heart ~

  The courageous faith of a woman counts with the living God.

(NIV) Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

By faith ~ are you courageously trusting the God of the Bible?