In the second chapter of Joshua we are told of a Divine intervention and miraculous deliverance in the story of Rahab, the prostitute. Days before the famous march around the walls began Joshua had sent two men to assess the situation inside the city. As they stealthily slipped from shadow to shadow down the streets, an alarm was given and the men were forced to run for their lives. They took refuge in the home of Rahab. She hid them and asked that in return they promise to spare her life when Jericho was captured.
The spies told her that if she would tie a scarlet cord in her window, they would find her and spare her and her family. Rahab didn’t ponder the instructions; she didn’t argue the pros and cons of what she had been told to do. She simply lowered the red cord from the window of her family’s dwelling. As the spies promised, her life was spared. Why did God choose a prostitute of all the people in Jericho? In Hebrews 11:31, we read, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” She and her family were delivered because of her faith and obedience.
But there is even more to her story. She became part of the nation of Israel, mother to a great man named Boaz...who would one day marry a young Moabite widow named Ruth...and their great grandson David would be Israel's greatest king. Rahab even became part of the lineage of the Messiah. When God delivers, He changes everything!
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
Sometimes we look at God as if we have to talk Him into doing anything for us. But God delights in showing His power on behalf of His children. The Bible says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Today I encourage you to rest in God's love and mercy, and trust in His power. He is greater than every need and challenge you will ever face, and He is just waiting to deliver you. Thank you for standing with us as a Defender of Zion and blessing the Jewish people.
