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Her Faith
HER FAITH
So why is this action considered an example of faith? Allow me to share Rahab’s words as spoken directly to the two spies as recorded in Scripture (Joshua 2:8-13, NIV):
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea[a] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.[b] 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
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 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
How does a Canaanite prostitute from Jericho believe so strongly in the miracles and plan and power of the God of Israel?
She believed that God had given the Israelites the land of Canaan. She resolutely believed the story that had circulated by word of mouth that the God of Israel had parted the Red Sea and dried up the ground so His people could stroll across to the other side. She even makes a confession of faith, “for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” In her culture that worshiped a multitude of pagan gods and idols, she firmly believed that the God of Israel was indeed the God of heaven and earth.
Now this was not necessarily a “faith” unto salvation as we more clearly understand it in our day. However, these are all Old Testament examples of those who exhibited faith in “who God is” and faith in His plan and promises.
HER FAITH VS. ISRAELITES
As a matter of fact, it is interesting that Rahab, a pagan harlot from Jericho, exhibited more faith than the so-called “God’s people” of Israel at times. If you remember, the people of Israel while still in Egypt were personal witnesses of God’s deliverance power. They “saw” with their own eyes the mighty miracles (the ten plagues). They personally experienced God’s deliverance as they freely marched out of the land of Egypt. They observed the parting of the Red Sea and the ground drying up under their feet. They were “immersed” in God’s deliverance as they strolled through the Red Sea.
Yet, these were the same folks who later began to murmur against God, rebel against his hand-chosen leader Moses, and doubt that God could ever grant them victory to take the Promised Land. So it is clear that Rahab demonstrated more faith in God than the Israelites who were first miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt.
It reminds me of another verse I previously quoted in this series from James 2:19, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[a] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” The demons are convinced beyond any doubt whatsoever about the existence of God, His plan, His power, and His judgment upon them. So let me reiterate, simply claiming we steadfastly believe in the existence of God is not faith (at least, not the complete package). The demons prove it.
Genuine Biblical faith today means complete trust in the person of God (His attributes as revealed in Scriptures, “who He is”), the principles of His kingdom, and His plan/purpose for the world and for us individually. Faith therefore necessitates daily decision-making and lifestyle choices. Faith requires action. Faith results in internal transformation of heart and soul. Faith is a way of life!
HER FAITH
So why is this action considered an example of faith? Allow me to share Rahab’s words as spoken directly to the two spies as recorded in Scripture (Joshua 2:8-13, NIV):
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea[a] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.[b] 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
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 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
How does a Canaanite prostitute from Jericho believe so strongly in the miracles and plan and power of the God of Israel?
She believed that God had given the Israelites the land of Canaan. She resolutely believed the story that had circulated by word of mouth that the God of Israel had parted the Red Sea and dried up the ground so His people could stroll across to the other side. She even makes a confession of faith, “for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” In her culture that worshiped a multitude of pagan gods and idols, she firmly believed that the God of Israel was indeed the God of heaven and earth.
Now this was not necessarily a “faith” unto salvation as we more clearly understand it in our day. However, these are all Old Testament examples of those who exhibited faith in “who God is” and faith in His plan and promises.
HER FAITH VS. ISRAELITES
As a matter of fact, it is interesting that Rahab, a pagan harlot from Jericho, exhibited more faith than the so-called “God’s people” of Israel at times. If you remember, the people of Israel while still in Egypt were personal witnesses of God’s deliverance power. They “saw” with their own eyes the mighty miracles (the ten plagues). They personally experienced God’s deliverance as they freely marched out of the land of Egypt. They observed the parting of the Red Sea and the ground drying up under their feet. They were “immersed” in God’s deliverance as they strolled through the Red Sea.
Yet, these were the same folks who later began to murmur against God, rebel against his hand-chosen leader Moses, and doubt that God could ever grant them victory to take the Promised Land. So it is clear that Rahab demonstrated more faith in God than the Israelites who were first miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt.
It reminds me of another verse I previously quoted in this series from James 2:19, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.[a] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” The demons are convinced beyond any doubt whatsoever about the existence of God, His plan, His power, and His judgment upon them. So let me reiterate, simply claiming we steadfastly believe in the existence of God is not faith (at least, not the complete package). The demons prove it.
Genuine Biblical faith today means complete trust in the person of God (His attributes as revealed in Scriptures, “who He is”), the principles of His kingdom, and His plan/purpose for the world and for us individually. Faith therefore necessitates daily decision-making and lifestyle choices. Faith requires action. Faith results in internal transformation of heart and soul. Faith is a way of life!
