"Rahab and the Two Spies", by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld
I found the story of Rahab surprising in many respects:
- I wonder why God chose to use a prostitute here. Furthermore, why did he bother to tell us of her profession?
- Earlier God told Moses that none of the Canaanites were to be spared. Yet Rahab is to be spared.
- Rahab tells a lie to conceal the spies.
- I wonder what transpired between God and Rahab prior to our view?
- Most interestingly Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Christ, her faith is mentioned in Hebrews, and her good works mentioned by James.
Certainly this story is one of grace. How Rahab came to her faith appears to be a mystery to us, but we know from Paul's teachings that God calls his elect. Isn't it interesting that God calls a prostitute. One to be despised, and worthy of stoning (in that culture), actually becomes an ancestor of Christ.
If God chose to use Rahab, in the bloodline of Christ, then certainly we are to understand that no matter where we come from, and no matter what we have done, God, through Jesus Christ, has provided the means for us to enter into a relationship as children, and co-inheritors with Christ.
Amazing isn't it?
