Embolden By Grace
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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.
Introduction
This story encapsulates Gods ultimate desire for mercy, even in the midst of utter destruction. God will not forsake a single individual who has placed their faith in Him. Even if their understanding is lacking, God will not reject faith regardless of who it is from.
Joshua 2:1-3
Sent as Two spies / Became two messengers 6:25 James 2:25 “25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?”
Sent to spy out the land to destroy it but they found Rahab (Divine appointment)
Grace proceeded the spies
Joshua 2:4–8.
She recognized the spies - She heard about their God and hid them
She lied to the king - “Rahab was commended for her faith, not her conduct up to this point”. (baby steps)
She came to speak with the mean she hid by faith. (The reason she hid them)
Joshua 2:9-10
16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; By the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; Till thy people pass over, O Lord, Till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Believe
“I know” - Rahab Believed
Fear lead to faith - Jude 22–23 “22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
Faith leads to works
Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Heard
Rahab HEARD of the crossing of the Red Sea
The testimony of the Red Sea crossing reached 40 years into the future, that a Canaanite harlot at Jericho might believe in the wonder working power of God Almighty.
We have the testimony of the blood of Jesus Christ to share.
Joshua 2:11.
Confession
The testimony broke the backbone of pride and self-confidence.
All we can do is fall at the feet of God Almighty - who can oppose Him?
She made no attempt to justify herself. (repentance)
She seeks and confess the God of Israel. “He is God in heaven above and in earth beneath.”
Joshua 2:12-13.
Ask/pray
Opened her mouth in faith and asked for kindness.
Her heart had turned towards the God of Israel - she asked that the favor of the spies would turn towards her
You have not because ye ask not - ye ask amiss - to consume upon your own lust
Hebrews 11:31 “31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”
God was once again going to show why He is the God of another chance.
Token/Sign
They gave her a true sign, a covenant and a scarlet rope. (V18)
We have a token - Ephesians 1:13 “13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,”
Joshua 2:14.
Received
Faith lays hold on the word of God
Joshua 2:15.
Worked
Show me your faith without works, Impossible. (Sanity vs insanity)
Works manifest the eternal life within you
We work according to our faith because faith works in love.
Joshua 2:18-21.
Obey
Immediately she bound the scarlet rope in her window as a sign of the covenant.
The ribbon served the same purpose as blood on the door post.
The scarlet rope saved her from destruction and set her up for ultimate salvation.
Conclusion
Conclusion
It finally came time for Joshua to take the city as the Lord commanded. For 6 days they marched around Jericho. 6 days they watched the scarlet rope. 6 days Rahab watched the Israelites. Until the 7th day and the 7th time around.
The priest blew the trumpets and the people shouted as the wall came tumbling down… utter destruction of the defences of the Canaanites. Except for one house in the midst of the wall… with a scarlet rope hanging from the window.
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.
Triumph
Rahab the harlot received far beyond what she asked or even dreamed.
While the people of Jericho were utterly destroyed — this Harlot of Jericho who had simply asked that the life of her family be spared became a monument for faith for generations to come.
She would go on to become the wife of a prince of Israel, Salmon.
She would give birth to a man by the name of Boaz who would marry the Moabite named Ruth.
Rahab’s blood line would go on to give us name such as king David and Solomon… and even the name that is above every name the King of King’s Jesus Christ.
She secured her place in the Faith hall of fame along with names such as:
Noah
Abraham
Sara
Joseph
Moses
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
God is not slack concerning his promises. Never underestimate the power of faith! God will use you no matter what your background maybe. No mater your short comings. No matter your failures. No matter your sins. He will meet you and give you a way out if you will only have faith.
Abraham was a liar
Noah an alcoholic
Job doubted
Samson was a womanizer
David a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Peter denied Jesus
The Samaritan woman — couldn’t keep a husband
And Rahab was a harlot.
Why can’t God use you?
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
