How can Rahab's courage in Joshua 2:9 encourage you to share your faith? Setting the Scene • Joshua 2 drops us into Jericho’s walls, where Rahab hides two Israelite spies. • Amid looming danger, she tells them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land” (Joshua 2:9) and adds that “the fear of you has fallen upon us” (Joshua 2:9). • Her confession shows a settled conviction: Israel’s God is sovereign, and His victory is certain. What Courage Looked Like in Rahab • Risked her life by sheltering the spies. • Stood against her own culture’s idols to align with the living God. • Spoke openly: “all who dwell in the land melt in terror before you” (Joshua 2:9). • Acted immediately—tying the scarlet cord (Joshua 2:18-21) and gathering her family. Connecting Rahab’s Courage to Sharing Your Faith 1. Confidence in God’s Power • Rahab’s words flowed from believing God had already “given” the land. • When you remember Christ’s finished work (John 19:30) and His promise to build His church (Matthew 16:18), courage becomes reasonable, not reckless. 2. Speaking Before Seeing • She declared victory while Jericho’s walls still stood. • Share Christ even when results look unlikely; God is at work behind the scenes (2 Corinthians 5:7). 3. Identifying With God’s People • She left her old allegiance, aligning with Israel. • Publicly identify with Jesus through words and lifestyle (Romans 1:16). 4. Acting for Others’ Salvation • Rahab gathered her household under the scarlet cord. • Let concern for family, friends, and neighbors move you to speak (Acts 16:31-32). Fuel From the Rest of Scripture • Hebrews 11:31 highlights that “By faith the prostitute Rahab… was not destroyed”. Faith talks and acts. • James 2:25 notes she was “justified by works when she welcomed the spies”. Deeds validate words. • Jesus calls His followers “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Light exists to shine. Practical Steps to Courageous Witness • Recall God’s past victories: keep a journal of answered prayers as Rahab recalled God’s deeds at the Red Sea (Joshua 2:10). • Memorize key promises (e.g., Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always,”). • Start with your “household” just as Rahab did—family, close friends, co-workers. • Use simple, honest testimony: “I know the Lord…”—state what you know, not what you don’t. • Rely on visible symbols of faith; a Bible on your desk or a verse on your wall can invite conversation, much like Rahab’s scarlet cord signaled her trust. • Pray for boldness like the early church (Acts 4:29-31), trusting the Spirit to give words (Luke 12:12). Encouragement to Go Forward Rahab moved from pagan past to listed among the faithful (Matthew 1:5). Her courage shows that anyone, regardless of background, can become a powerful witness simply by trusting God’s word and speaking it. Let her example embolden you to open your mouth, share His story, and watch God rescue others through your faith-filled courage. |
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