Monday - Joshua 2 - The Conversion of Rahab

If Hebrews 11 is to be evaluated honestly, then we shouldn't have a hard time discovering Rahab the harlot's point of conversion. First of all, Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Now, is that what we find in Joshua 2:8-11 or not? Rahab heard the news about God's power and about His blessings upon His people.  She feared and revered their God.  She believed Him and believed in Him. She demonstrated her faith by hiding the 2 spies.  Hebrews 11:31 declares her salvation like this: "By faith the harlot Rehab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace." Just like Abel's sacrifice and Abraham's offering (and every other OT saint whose conversion is recorded), Rahab by faith chose the God of Israel over her own people's gods ... and even over her own people.  It was to be the preservation of both her life and her soul.

Now, there always seems to be fringe benefits that come with our salvation. In Rahab's case there were many. Obviously, her and her family was spared the destruction that came to the city of Jericho.  She was also accepted into Israel and married a Jew ... a great improvement over her previous lifestyle of prostitution. Additionally, she became Ruth's mother-in-law, David's great-grandmother and one of Jesus' prestigious ancestors (Matthew 1:5-6 and following).