January 31

Joshua 6:22–25

22 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her.

23 And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.

24 And they burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein: only the silver, and the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord.

25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had; and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day; because she hid the messengers, which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

Biblical Insight

Because of her simple act of faith, Rahab and her family were saved from destruction; Rahab’s devotion to God had a positive impact to save her entire family. Furthermore, they were also fully incorporated into the nation of Israel, where they lived out their days. In His grand foreknowledge, God also knew Rahab’s protection would be significant for Israel, as she would become King David’s great-great-grandmother. Furthermore, she is eternally significant as she is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:5. Her faithfulness is also recorded in Hebrews 11:31.

Daily Devotion

Rahab was making her way through the market on that dry, desert day. She was used to the whispers and dirty looks she would get from the townspeople. She had learned to tune out their banter and their raised eyebrows. She did not have the greatest reputation, but she was trying her best to turn her life around. She knew she was made for more.

When she encountered the spies that afternoon, she knew, even though it put her family at risk, that she had to help. So she did. She nervously hid the men, and that became a turning point for her. Her story shifted, and now her lineage would birth the Messiah. Rahab did not let the labels placed upon her by society dictate her future. She stood scarlet-cord strong and through her obedience and decisions, the world would never be the same.

How has the world attempted to brand you? You have the choice to follow Jesus, even if those around you believe you are not worthy of the call. Take some time to pray today and allow God to strengthen you in the call He has placed on your life to follow Him.