My Chaos… God’s Kingdom

I know this is a little out of order because I still haven’t posted more about Joshua 1. However I can’t get Joshua 2 off of my mind. Maybe it’s because there has been so much change in my life in the last 6 months. Maybe it’s because Rahab had to have incredible bravery to do what she did for those spies, and well I’m in my “I am brave Era”. No matter what I know that God has something in store for not only me but others as well in this. So let’s dive in to Joshua 2.

So a little bit of background is that Moses had died at the beginning of chapter 1. God handed the reins off to Joshua (who had been Moses’ assistant) and told him that He was going to give them all the land that he had promised years before (but the Israelites were too chicken to do what God said). At the end of chapter one the Israelites said that they would listen and follow Joshua, they would in-fact do that the Lord asked of them. Alright you’ve been caught up Stacie’s Notes style.

Joshua sends out 2 men from Shittim, some of the commentaries I was reading on http://www.biblehub.com said that this was likely on the same day that Joshua assumed his leadership, to check out all the land and putting a special focus on Jericho. This, this is where change is seen happening. Someone that many of us would have overlooked because of her profession saves the men of God. Rahab brings them into her home and hides them. Why is this so important? Why is this where we start to one of the many influential name changes in our history!

Weirsbe’s Commentary states that both Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 indicate that Rahab had put her faith in God BEFORE the spies arrived in Jericho. She just like those in Thessalonica had “turned to God from idols to serve the LIVIING and TRUE God” (1 Thess. 1:9).

Jericho covered 8 or 9 acres and there is archeological evidence that double walls about 15 feet apart protected the city (Weirsbe, 386)

In Joshua 2:15 we learned that Rahab’s home was built into the wall which positioned her to easily help the spies. She bravely (I have seen this word so so much to learn more about it see my post “Being Brave”) and confidently trusted God to protect her and her family. So she not only hid the spies on the roof she sent the Kings guard on a wild goose chase. If found out knowing what we know about many rulers of this time we can guess that death could have been on the table as punishment.

So again why is this a big deal? Well let’s jump to Matthew 1:5, the genealogy of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. We know from Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25 that Rahab was undoubtably a prostitute, yet read Matthew 1:5 with me (I like the ESV bible) “and Slamon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth and Obed the father of Jesse,”

Did you catch that or do you need to read it again? Rahab a known prostitute is in the lineage of our Emmanuel (God with us). Wanna know why? Because she trusted God, and He changed her name! Not because she did some grand, royal, or even heroic act. Ok, you are on to something, saving the spies was a bit heroic. However she didn’t do it to get glory or some medal, she did it out of what we certainly have to believe was obedience to God.

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ and say “Here I am Lord, send me”(Isaiah 6:8, Acts 9:10), then remain faithful and obedient God can change your name. Your past isn’t who you are… yes it is the choices you made. BUT GOD…. He can wash it all away and HE can make you NEW (2 Corinthians 2:17-21)!

Weather you have been sitting on the fence waiting to get your life together first or are just hearing this for the first time, the time is now. Know Jesus and be made new!

Much Love, Stacie