RAHAB THE PROSTITUTE (3)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) Rahab & the spies
(Text: Joshua 2:1-24)
1. What is the text all about?
a) In Joshua's day it was common to build houses on city walls. Many cities walls about 12 to 15 feet apart. Houses were built on wooden logs laid across the tops of the two walls. Rahab may have lived in such a house with a window that looked out over the outside wall.
b) This was not the first time spies were sent into the Promised Land. 39 years ago, another spy mission had been conducted (see Numbers 13 & 14). Then, however, most of the spies came back afraid. They doubted God's ability to help them conquer the land. Joshua was one of the spies; only he and Caleb encouraged the people to follow God's plan. This time Joshua sent spies secretly. He did not want the possibility of another negative report to stir up the people to revolt.
c) Who is Rehab?
@1. Rehab was a relative to Boaz, and thus an ancestor of David and Jesus.
@2. Rehab was one of only two women listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.
@3. Rehab was resourceful, willing to help others at great cost to herself.
@4. Rehab was a "harlot," or prostitute, in the city of Jericho. As a prostitute, she lived on the edge of society, one stop short of rejection. Her house, built right into the city wall, provided both lodging and favors to travelers. It was a natural place for the Israelite spies to stay, as they would be mistaken for Rahab's customers.
@5. Stories about Israelites had been circulating for some time, but now it was evident that the Israelites were about to invade. Living on the wall, Rahab felt especially vulnerable. Yet while she shared the general mood of fear with the rest of Jericho's population, she alone turned to the Lord for her salvation. Her faith gave her the courage to hide the spies and lie to the authorities. Rahab knew her position was dangerous; she could have been killed if she were caught harboring the Israelites. Rahab took the risk, however, because she sensed that the Israelites relied on God worth trusting. And God rewarded Rahab by promising safety for her and her family.
@6. God works through people - like Rahab - whom we are inclined to reject. God remembers her because of her faith, not her profession. If at times you feel like a failure, remember that Rahab rose above her situation through her trust in God. You can do the same!
2. Prayer focus
a) Do you feel like a failure? Remember Rahab, you can rise up above your situation as you continue to pray and trust God to do the same for you.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) Rahab & the spies
(Text: Joshua 2:1-24)
1. What is the text all about?
a) In Joshua's day it was common to build houses on city walls. Many cities walls about 12 to 15 feet apart. Houses were built on wooden logs laid across the tops of the two walls. Rahab may have lived in such a house with a window that looked out over the outside wall.
b) This was not the first time spies were sent into the Promised Land. 39 years ago, another spy mission had been conducted (see Numbers 13 & 14). Then, however, most of the spies came back afraid. They doubted God's ability to help them conquer the land. Joshua was one of the spies; only he and Caleb encouraged the people to follow God's plan. This time Joshua sent spies secretly. He did not want the possibility of another negative report to stir up the people to revolt.
c) Who is Rehab?
@1. Rehab was a relative to Boaz, and thus an ancestor of David and Jesus.
@2. Rehab was one of only two women listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.
@3. Rehab was resourceful, willing to help others at great cost to herself.
@4. Rehab was a "harlot," or prostitute, in the city of Jericho. As a prostitute, she lived on the edge of society, one stop short of rejection. Her house, built right into the city wall, provided both lodging and favors to travelers. It was a natural place for the Israelite spies to stay, as they would be mistaken for Rahab's customers.
@5. Stories about Israelites had been circulating for some time, but now it was evident that the Israelites were about to invade. Living on the wall, Rahab felt especially vulnerable. Yet while she shared the general mood of fear with the rest of Jericho's population, she alone turned to the Lord for her salvation. Her faith gave her the courage to hide the spies and lie to the authorities. Rahab knew her position was dangerous; she could have been killed if she were caught harboring the Israelites. Rahab took the risk, however, because she sensed that the Israelites relied on God worth trusting. And God rewarded Rahab by promising safety for her and her family.
@6. God works through people - like Rahab - whom we are inclined to reject. God remembers her because of her faith, not her profession. If at times you feel like a failure, remember that Rahab rose above her situation through her trust in God. You can do the same!
2. Prayer focus
a) Do you feel like a failure? Remember Rahab, you can rise up above your situation as you continue to pray and trust God to do the same for you.
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