Rahab & Salmon

[Read Joshua 2:1-21, Hebrews 11:31]

Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down…

Rahab is mentioned in three different lists in the New Testament. Matthew 1:5 (the genealogy of Jesus); Hebrews 11:31 (an example of outstanding faith) and James 2:25 (illustrating that faith without works is dead).

In Hebrews and in James, it mentions Rahab’s former occupation of being a prostitute. Her incredible story is recorded in Joshua 2. She lived in the great walled city of Jericho, a city that was prohibiting God’s people from obtaining the Promised Land that was given to them. Joshua sent two spies into the city to assess the situation and the spies were identified and pursued. Rahab concealed the spies and aided in their escape. Rahab had heard of how God had protected and provided for the Israelites. She knew that if God could protect them, He could protect her and her family. When the walls of Jericho came down, she and her family were spared.

By God’s generous grace, Rahab had faith and was saved from physical and spiritual death. She may have been a prostitute at one time, but now she is a shining example of what God does through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is amazing hope!

There is no life that cannot be changed by Jesus going to the cross and dying for our sins. By that very grace, we can have faith in Him and be saved from eternal death. Christmas is our celebration of God’s gifts of faith, hope, and grace.

Pastor Joel Rose
Bethel Baptist – Ellison Bay



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