“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So, they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.” – Joshua 2:1
The Israelite nation had been delivered from captivity in Egypt. They had wandered in the wilderness, led by God, to the land that had been promised to them. In the wilderness for 40 years, God used the difficulties they would face to help the nation become a righteous nation. They were given the law and taught how to be God’s people. They had arrived at the final place where they would camp before entering the promised land. After many years, they were home.
Before moving into the promised land, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, sent spies ahead. The first obstacle the Israelites would have to overcome would be the great city of Jericho. This strong, heavily fortified city would be almost impossible to conquer. The spies went ahead to learn all they could.
When the spies entered the city, they quickly understood how difficult the task in front of them would be. The spies were almost captured. Thankfully, they were saved through the kindness of Rahab. Rahab took the two spies and hid them on her roof. When the people who were looking for the spies left, she helped the spies escape. Rahab was not an Israelite. She was a prostitute. She had not traveled in the wilderness with those who had fled from Egypt, yet she showed great faith in God and God’s people.
We often narrowly limit the people that God can use to do God’s good will. We limit God’s mercy and grace in our lives and the lives of others. That is not how God works. God works for the good of all people by working through all people. The Israelite people and Rahab were able to accomplish a mighty thing, with God’s help. They did not have the same background, but God used spies, prostitutes, and many others to establish a new home for His holy nation. God continues to use all kinds of people to do amazing things. He will use all of us to bring His kingdom to earth, just as it is in heaven.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
