April 20, 2009
Rahab Saves the Day
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Several years ago, I traveled to the Christian Booksellers Association in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now why the committee chose New Orleans, I will never know. However, I must say, I got quite an education while I was there.
One afternoon, I decided to go exploring down the famous Bourbon Street. It seemed there was some sort of street party going on (which I later realized was coup de jour.) Before I knew it, I was shoulder to shoulder in a mass of humanity - a herd of hoopin’ and hollerin,’ dancin’ and drinkin,’ carousers. I kept my purse pressed to my chest and looked for the next exit! Bombarded by a cacophony or sights, sounds, and smells, my eyes traveled up to a balcony overhead. Even though it was broad daylight, several “ladies of the evening” were hanging over the railing enticing the men below to join them for sensual pleasure – by the hour.
The “ladies” wore skin tight tops, thigh high hose with feathery garter belts, and lacy push-up camisoles. With six inch heels on their feet, dangling jewels from their earlobes, and vibrantly painted lips, they hung over the balcony of what appeared to be a brothel, displaying their bodies with alluring words to seduce their prey.
Never having seen a brothel before, I now had a better picture of what Rahab’s house in the Bible must have looked like. In the Old Testament, just before the Israelites conquered, captured, and claimed the Promised Land, they sent in spies to check out Jericho’s defenses. While there, they went into the house of a prostitute, probably because no one would be suspicious of strange men entering such a place. The officials made an official visit in search of the spies, but Rahab hid them under stalks of flax on the roof until it was safe for them to leave. Before the sun rose the following morning, Rahab made a statement of faith.
“I know that the LORD has given this land to you 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. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you” (Joshua 2:8-12).
The spies told Rahab to tie a scarlet cord in her window and bring her entire family into the house. When the army came to destroy the city, they looked for the scarlet cord and rescued Rahab and her family.
I get so excited about this story. See, we have a scarlet cord as well! It is Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, whose scarlet blood saves us, protects us, and delivers us. You know what is so wonderful. Rahab wasn’t only saved from destruction, but she was brought into the family of God and used for His glory. She even married a wonderful Jewish man named Salmon. Perhaps you haven’t heard of him, but I bet you’ve heard of their son, Boaz, or their grandson, Obed, or their great-grandson, Jesse, or their great-great-grandson, David.
No matter what we’ve done or where we’ve come from, when we come to Christ and tie that scarlet cord from the window of our heart, God saves us, welcomes us, and uses us for His glory. See, many people believe they are forgiven, but they don’t feel that they are “good enough” to be used. They stand like an outsider, like a waif peering into the window of a great mansion as a banquet is taking place within. Their tummies grumble in hunger as the father slices the roast turkey and the juices seep over the braised meat. Their mouths water as the rich gravy smothers the steamy potatoes and the sweet biscuits are passed from person to person.
But what they fail to see is the empty seat – the one with their name printed on the place card.
You have been brought into God’s family and invited to dine at your Father’s banqueting table. Don’t stare through the window. Go in and take your seat where you belong. He’s waiting for you.
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father: Thank You for saving me – for rescuing me – for allowing me to be a part of your chosen people. Thank you for allowing me to sit at your banqueting table each and every time I open my Bible and feast upon Your Word.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Have you ever pondered the idea that David’s great, great grandmother was a prostitute?
How does the story of how God saved and used Rahab encourage you today?
Are you sitting at God’s banqueting table as the well-loved guest that you are, or are you standing outside longing to join in?
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior and would like to do that today, please click on the following link.
More From the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion came from Sharon’s book Your Scars are Beautiful to God. But if you find yourself feeling like you are not good enough to be used by God, then you need to begin seeing yourself as God sees you. Sharon newest release, “I’m Not Good Enough…and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves will help you begin!
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in God
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
Originally published Monday, 20 April 2009.
SHARE
