James 2:25: “In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?”
Dynamic faith is when intellect, emotion, and will are all operating together. Combining faith and works leads to growth.
James provides two examples: Abraham and Rahab. Both of them demonstrated how the right action proceeds from correct belief. The two couldn’t be more different. Abraham was Jewish, the patriarch of the Jewish faith, a significant figure in the Old Testament; Rahab was a Gentile, a prostitute, and a minor character in the Old Testament.
Today, we learn about Rahab. She is in the genealogy of Christ. Matthew 1:5-6 explains: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz, the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse, the father of King David.”
Rahab’s story is told in Joshua 2 and 6. After Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years, they are poised to enter the promised land. The leader of Israel, Joshua, sends in two spies to look over the land. The King of Jericho, the first city to be conquered by Israel, finds out about the spies and sends soldiers to arrest them. The spies are hidden by Rahab, and Rahab lies to the authorities to protect the spies. She then tells the spies, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you” (Joshua 2:10). Even though Rahab was not an Israelite, she feared God and acted on that fear. Because of this, her household was the only survivor in Jericho (Joshua 6:22-25). One detail about Rahab: she was a prostitute. And she is part of Christ’s lineage. Almost every time Rahab is mentioned in Scripture, her profession is included. God can genuinely redeem any person and any situation and use them for His glory. The worst of sinners can be forgiven and justified before God. Hebrews 11:31 states: “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”
Rahab was willing to risk her life for God. Her life was “saved” because of the works she did for God and His people. Her works vindicated her faith.
Some questions to consider:
-How are your works vindicating you before men?
-Have you ever said, “If God only knew ______ about me, He couldn’t forgive/love me?” If so, stop! God does know, and He loves you, He is ready to forgive you.-How can you cooperate with God to have a more vibrant life of faith?
Photo by Stephen Pedersen on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 