What can we learn from Rahab's faith and actions in Joshua 6:25? The Verse in Focus “ But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all that she had. And she has lived among the Israelites to this day, because she hid the spies Joshua had sent to Jericho.” (Joshua 6:25) Context that Matters • Jericho’s walls have fallen (Joshua 6:20). • The city is under the ban—everything devoted to destruction except the precious metals (Joshua 6:17–19, 24). • One household alone is rescued: Rahab’s, identified by the scarlet cord she tied in her window (Joshua 2:18, 21; 6:22–23). Highlights of Rahab’s Faith • Trusted Israel’s God before she ever saw the victory (Joshua 2:9–11). • Risked her life to protect the spies (Joshua 2:3–7). • Acted promptly—tied the scarlet cord as instructed (Joshua 2:21). • Stood firm in a doomed culture—even her title “the prostitute” shows God’s grace reaches unlikely people. • Received a new homeland “among the Israelites to this day,” a phrase emphasizing permanent acceptance. What We Learn 1. God Redeems Outsiders – Rahab moves from pagan society to covenant community (Ephesians 2:12–13). – Her story foreshadows the gospel opening to every nation (Acts 10:34–35). 2. Faith Produces Action – Hebrews 11:31: “By faith Rahab the prostitute, because she welcomed the spies in peace, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” – James 2:25: faith is validated by deeds; Rahab models living, working faith. 3. Obedience Unlocks Deliverance – The simple step of hanging a scarlet cord pictures obedience that saves (John 3:14–16). – God honors small, tangible acts that flow from trust. 4. God Honors Courage in Crisis – Rahab sheltered spies while her city panicked; courage pairs with faith (Psalm 27:1). – Her bold choice changed her family’s destiny. 5. Grace Rewrites Identity – Though labeled “the prostitute,” she becomes an ancestor of Messiah (Matthew 1:5). – Our past does not dictate our future in God’s plan (2 Corinthians 5:17). 6. Salvation Extends to Households – Her entire family shares in the rescue, echoing Acts 16:31. – One believer’s faith can bless many others. Practical Takeaways for Today • Never assume someone is beyond God’s reach—look for Rahabs in your life. • Pair confession of faith with concrete obedience; faith is seen in what we do. • Stand firm when culture collapses; God honors those who side with Him before victory is visible. • Value the heritage you have in Christ; like Rahab, abide in the community of God’s people. • Remember the scarlet cord—symbol of Christ’s blood—cling to it for salvation and share its hope with others. Rahab’s Ongoing Legacy Her story remains “to this day,” reminding every generation that God delights in rescuing and repurposing unlikely people who trust Him and act on that trust. |
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