What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Rahab's encounter with the spies? Setting the Scene • “Joshua…sent two spies, saying, ‘Go…look over the land’ ” (Joshua 2:1) • The spies lodge with Rahab, a prostitute—an unlikely safe house. • Jericho’s ruler reacts: “So the king of Jericho said to Rahab, ‘Bring out the men who came to you…’ ” (Joshua 2:3) Divine Orchestration Behind the Scenes • The spies’ random-seeming choice of Rahab’s home is no accident; God steers every detail (Ephesians 1:11, “He works out everything by the counsel of His will,”). • The pagan king’s command unwittingly pushes Rahab toward a life-altering decision, displaying Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom…against the LORD,”. • Even hostile authorities move within divine boundaries (Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases,”). Human Choices within a Sovereign Plan • Rahab hides the spies—her free, courageous act, yet foreknown and folded into God’s larger purpose. • God’s sovereignty never cancels responsibility; it empowers obedience that counts (Philippians 2:13). • Romans 8:28 resounds in the episode: “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him,”—spies, scarlet cord, collapsing walls, and all. Rahab’s Recognition of Sovereignty • “I know that the LORD has given you this land” (Joshua 2:9). • “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below” (Joshua 2:11). • Rahab confesses what Jericho’s leaders deny: the universal reign of Israel’s God. Courage Rooted in Sovereignty • Because she trusts God’s rule, Rahab risks her life. True faith produces fearless action (Hebrews 11:31). • The spies step into enemy territory confident that God has already delivered the city (Joshua 1:3). • Sovereignty moves believers from anxiety to bold obedience; nothing escapes His control. Sovereignty that Extends to Salvation • Rahab’s household is spared while Jericho falls—judgment and mercy side by side. • Her place in Messiah’s genealogy (Matthew 1:5) shows God writing redemption history through unlikely people. • The episode whispers the gospel: the Sovereign Lord rescues all who take refuge under His promise (John 3:16). Living Out the Lesson Today • Trust that God directs both grand events and everyday details. • Obey promptly, knowing His plan already accounts for opposition. • Speak of His supremacy with Rahab-like boldness; He alone “does whatever pleases Him” (Psalm 115:3). |
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