What does Joshua 2:3 teach about God's use of unlikely individuals for His purposes? Setting the Stage – Joshua 2:3 “So the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab, saying, ‘Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.’ ” Rahab: An Unlikely Instrument • Canaanite, living under God’s judgment (Deuteronomy 9:4) • A prostitute, marginalized in her own society • Possessed no social, political, or spiritual credentials expected for a “hero” of faith What the Verse Reveals about God’s Ways • Sovereign reach – God’s plan touches the king’s palace and the prostitute’s house alike. • Strategic placement – Rahab’s home on the city wall (v. 15) becomes the precise location for preserving the spies. • Divine irony – The king’s demand highlights the very woman God will use against Jericho. • Grace in real time – Before Israel crosses the Jordan, God is already extending mercy to a Gentile outsider. • Faith over pedigree – Rahab’s forthcoming confession (v. 11) shows that trust in the living God, not background, determines usefulness. Scripture Echoes • Hebrews 11:31 — “By faith Rahab the prostitute, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.” • James 2:25 — “Was not Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another route?” • 1 Corinthians 1:27 — “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” • Matthew 1:5 — Rahab is listed in Messiah’s genealogy, underscoring her lasting role. Key Takeaways for Believers Today • No past disqualifies a person surrendered to God’s purposes. • Availability outweighs credentials; obedience opens doors to divine assignment. • God often advances His kingdom through people culture overlooks. • Every believer can expect God to orchestrate circumstances that display His power through their weakness. |
    |