What does Rahab's faith teach us about trusting God's promises today? A Remarkable Request—Joshua 2:12 “Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign.” What Rahab Already Knew • She had heard about the Red Sea opening (Exodus 14) and the defeat of Sihon and Og (Numbers 21). • Those reports convinced her that “the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Joshua 2:11). • Even before Israel set one foot inside Jericho, she believed the outcome was settled—God’s promises would stand. How Her Faith Took Shape • Risked her life hiding the spies—faith moved straight to action. • Asked for a covenant oath—she trusted God enough to seek lasting security, not a passing favor. • Hung a scarlet cord from her window—simple obedience that marked her house for salvation. • Included her entire household in the deal—faith that cares for others, not just self. Lessons for Trusting God’s Promises Today • God’s word is true regardless of background. A Canaanite prostitute became part of God’s people (Hebrews 11:31). Nothing in your past cancels God’s future for you. • Faith acts while the walls are still standing. We don’t wait for circumstances to look safe before we obey (2 Corinthians 5:7). • The “scarlet cord” foreshadows the blood of Christ securing our rescue (Ephesians 1:7). Our confidence rests in His finished work, not in our performance. • Genuine trust seeks the welfare of family and neighbors. Rahab’s first thought after salvation was, “Save my parents, siblings, all who belong to them.” • God’s promises are rock-solid. “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed” (Joshua 21:45). The same reliability holds for every promise in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Faith That Works—New Testament Echoes • Hebrews 11:31 celebrates Rahab for welcoming the spies “in peace.” • James 2:25 pairs her with Abraham to show that real faith produces real deeds. • Matthew 1:5 lists her in Messiah’s genealogy—God grafts believing outsiders into His family. Putting It Into Practice • Anchor yourself in specific promises—write them, memorize them, pray them. • Take the next obedient step even if you don’t see the whole plan. • Let Christ’s sacrifice be your daily confidence, the “scarlet cord” you cling to. • Intercede for loved ones by name; expect God to extend mercy to your household. • Celebrate every small confirmation that God keeps His word—the bigger deliverance is on the way. Rahab staked her entire future on God’s promise before anything in Jericho crumbled. Her story invites us to do the same: trust early, act boldly, and watch the Lord prove Himself faithful. |
    |