How does Rahab's acknowledgment of God challenge us to witness to others? Text in Focus “Before the men lay down, Rahab went up on the roof” (Joshua 2:8). (See also vv. 9-11, where she confesses, “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.”) Rahab’s Remarkable Faith • Recognizes the true God before witnessing any miracle firsthand • Confesses God’s sovereignty despite living in a pagan city • Acts immediately on her belief by protecting the spies • Stakes her own life and family’s future on the word of the God she has just acknowledged What This Means for Our Witness • Truth transcends backgrounds: if Rahab can know God in Jericho, anyone around us can believe (Romans 10:13) • Urgency matters: she acts “before the men lay down”; we should seize opportunities when doors open (2 Corinthians 6:2) • Testimony spreads: Rahab heard of the Red Sea (Joshua 2:10); people today listen when we recount God’s works (Psalm 105:1) • Courageous confession saves: “With the heart one believes… with the mouth one confesses” (Romans 10:10) • Faith must show fruit: just as her sheltering the spies proved genuine faith, our deeds validate our message (James 2:25) Scripture Connections • Hebrews 11:31 – Rahab listed among the faithful • James 2:25 – her works celebrated as living evidence • Acts 4:20 – apostles “cannot stop speaking” about Jesus, mirroring Rahab’s bold report • 1 Peter 3:15 – be ready to give a defense, as Rahab was ready that night Practical Steps to Imitate Rahab • Listen for openings in everyday conversation where God’s deeds may be shared • Speak plainly of God’s power and salvation without delay • Protect and serve those bringing the gospel, just as she sheltered the spies • Trust Scripture’s record; let its reliability fuel confidence in witnessing • Pray for the courage to risk reputation or comfort so others might hear and believe |
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