Rahab - A Mother Redeemed by Faith

Introduction

Today, we honor mothers with a message from the life of an unexpected heroine, Rahab of Jericho. Many of us know her as, “Rahab the harlot,” but I feel this title is misunderstood and sometimes even unfair because Rahab was a woman of incredible faith and courage. Rahab’s story teaches us that God can transform any life and use it for His glory.

Rahab’s Courage in Crisis - Joshua 2:4 “And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:”

This woman lived in a corrupt and wicked city that was doomed, however, Rahab, chose to protect the Israelite spies. Rahab risked her own life and safety to do what was right, showing her bravery in the midst of tremendous pressure and danger. This is a reminder that many mothers today must also demonstrate strength in protecting and providing for their children and families in difficult circumstances.

Application to Remember : True courage isn’t the absence of fear but the triumph of faith in the face of it.

2. Rahab’s Faith in God - Joshua 2:9–11 “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

At this point in her life Rahab had only heard of the God of Israel, but she believed in Him wholeheartedly. Her faith set her apart from the rest of the people in Jericho.

Application to Remember: Faith does not require a perfect background. It only requires a heart that trusts in a perfect God!

3. Rahab’s Redemption and Legacy - Joshua 6:25 “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.”

Joshua saved Rahab and her entire household and she became apart of Israel, married Salmon, and became the mother of Boaz. It is amazing how simple faith pleases God and because of this woman’s simple faith in the God of Israel she is named in the genealogy of Jesus.

Matthew 1:5 “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;”

Application to Remember: Your past does not disqualify you from God’s future. Rahab’s legacy lives on because of her faith.

4. A Word to Mothers - Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”

You may feel at times that you have made mistakes, but God redeems and restores. Don’t ever forget that your faith can be is the shelter that saves your family and your daily acts of courage and belief can impact generations.

Conclusion

The Scarlet Thread of Hope - Joshua 2:18 “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.”

The scarlet cord Rahab used symbolized hope and salvation and that same scarlet thread points to the blood of Jesus Christ. On this Mother’s Day, may we be reminded that every home needs a scarlet thread of faith, a visible sign that God saves, redeems, and transforms.