How can we apply the faith of Rahab and Ruth in our lives? Tracing Grace through Matthew 1:5 “Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse.” (Matthew 1:5) Two Gentile women—Rahab the Canaanite and Ruth the Moabite—stand in the Messiah’s family line. Their faith shines across centuries, inviting us to follow their example today. Rahab: Courageous Faith under Pressure • She believed God before she saw Him act. Joshua 2 records her words: “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11) • Hebrews 11:31 celebrates her for trusting God’s promise; James 2:25 points to her works proving that trust. • Application: – Draw a clear line of allegiance to the Lord even when culture or background conflicts. – Stake everything on God’s word, not on visible security. – Show faith tangibly—Rahab tied a scarlet cord; we obey Christ’s commands in everyday choices. – Welcome God’s people. Opening her home to the spies illustrates hospitality rooted in faith (1 Peter 4:9). Cleansed Past, Open Future • Rahab’s occupation did not disqualify her; God’s grace transformed her. • 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Application: No sin is beyond the reach of redemption. We step forward, leaving shame behind, serving God’s purposes boldly. Ruth: Loyal Faith in the Ordinary • Ruth’s pledge to Naomi is legendary: “Wherever you go, I will go… your God will be my God.” (Ruth 1:16) • She embraced a life of humble work: gleaning, serving, waiting. • Ruth 2:12 affirms God’s reward for those who take refuge under His wings. • Application: – Stand by covenant commitments—marriage, family, church—when convenience fades. – Serve faithfully in mundane tasks; faith blossoms in barley fields and break rooms alike (Colossians 3:23). – Trust God’s timing; Ruth waited through harvests before redemption unfolded (Ruth 3–4). Everyday Steadfastness Rahab’s decisive moment happened in a night of crisis; Ruth’s faith unfolded over seasons. Both teach us: • Crisis faith—take bold action when God’s truth demands it. • Daily faith—persevere in routine obedience, trusting God to weave bigger stories. Welcoming the Outsider • Both women were foreigners grafted into Israel. Ephesians 2:19 says we are “fellow citizens with the saints.” • Application: – Extend gospel welcome to outsiders, remembering we were once strangers. – Celebrate diversity within Christ’s body while centering on shared faith. Living the Lineage of Grace • God used Rahab and Ruth to bring forth David, then Jesus. • Our obedience today shapes future generations—children, disciples, communities. • Let their legacy propel us to: – Believe God for impossible turn-arounds. – Demonstrate steadfast love (hesed) in relationships. – Expect God to weave our small acts into His grand redemptive plan. |