TRADING LIVES
Today’s Verse: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” Hebrews 11:30-31, ESV
Theme: A sacrifice is not real unless it costs you something.
A SHADY PAST
Rahab, who we met last week from the Old Testament book of Joshua, was neither a Hebrew nor a woman of good moral character. In fact, she led a rebellious lifestyle that was opposed to God's will. Though God had a plan for Joshua and the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, they first had to conquer their enemies: fear and Jericho.
A NEW FUTURE
Joshua sent two spies, who came to Rahab's house. She hid them up, lying to protect them from the king's men. Later when she went up on her roof, she told the spies what she had heard about their God. She shared that hearing those stories had caused a great fear of God to fall on her heart. She surrendered her past and her community in exchange for a place in the family of God. But don’t discount that sacrifice: she lost everything she had known.
AWESOME GOD
The fear of the Lord is a good starting place for surrender. When we know Him and His will, our healthy respect for Him should make us respond in submission. Just as Rahab’s fear of God caused her to protect the spies and risk her life, our fear of Almighty God should move us to repentance and our next steps. Although Rahab lost her entire community, sacrificing her past and her plans for the future, she gained so much more.
Make It Personal: Even though your next step may not be as bold as what Rahab did, how can your surrender to God be equally important? Why is humility so important? How can your surrender lead to great benefit for others or for the kingdom of God?
Pray: Lord, I am ready to surrender my life, my associations, my strivings to achieve, in order to live in obedience and honor You. I want what You want for me, even if it changes everything. I have seen You work, and I want to be on Your side. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Joshua 2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
Memory Verse of the Week: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Luke 22:42 (NIV)