Rahab: A Model of Faith and Openness to God

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 2 -  Friday Further Thought

 A Model of Faith and Openness to God

Scripture Reading: Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25

Rahab’s story begins in Joshua 2, in the city of Jericho — a place destined for destruction. She was a Canaanite and a prostitute, an unlikely candidate for God’s purposes. Yet when two Israelite spies arrived at her home, Rahab chose to align herself with the God of Israel rather than the idols of her own people. She confessed, “I know that the Lord has given you this land… for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:9, 11).

Her faith was not based on personal experience but on what she had heard of God’s mighty acts — the parting of the Red Sea, the defeat of Sihon and Og. Like Abraham, Rahab believed God’s word and acted upon it (compare Genesis 15:6). Her faith led to decisive action — hiding the spies and trusting in God’s mercy.

The Old Testament often reminds us that God welcomes those who turn to Him with sincere hearts, regardless of their past. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God declared, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23). Similarly, Isaiah 55:7 calls, “Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them.” Rahab’s life became a living example of these truths — a woman once far from God, now brought near by faith.

Rahab’s story challenges us to recognize and appreciate the openness of people to God, even when their lifestyles or beliefs may be far from the biblical ideal. Faith sometimes begins in unexpected hearts. The seed of belief may be small and mixed with imperfection, but God values a heart that turns toward Him in trust. As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

At the same time, Rahab’s story teaches us to distinguish between appreciating faith and condoning sin. God did not approve of Rahab’s prostitution — but He redeemed her through her faith. When she turned to Him, her past was not ignored but forgiven. Her name was later included in the genealogy of Jesus Himself (Matthew 1:5), showing that God’s grace can transform any life for His glory.

Jesus affirmed this truth in His own ministry. He said, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you” (Matthew 21:31). Those who humbly believe and respond to God’s call, even from broken places, can experience His salvation. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and Rahab’s story stands as a timeless testimony to that mission.

Reflection

Faith is not about perfection but direction — a heart turning toward God in trust. When we meet people whose lives are still messy but whose hearts are reaching toward truth, we should respond with grace and encouragement. God can begin a powerful work of transformation in anyone who, like Rahab, dares to believe.

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank You for the story of Rahab — a reminder that Your grace reaches beyond boundaries and reputations. Help us to see people as You see them: not by their past, but by the potential of their faith. Teach us to welcome those who are open to You, even if their lives are still being reshaped by Your truth. Strengthen our own faith, that we may trust You boldly and act courageously, as Rahab did.
In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer and Savior, Amen.

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