Verse for reflection: St Mathew 1:2-5
We will continue with the reflection on Rahab.
The chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews extols the virtue of faith as exhibited by the forefathers, citing faith as the ‘substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1; NKJV). The list of those who displayed exemplary faith, starts with Abel who offered a blameless sacrifice, then Enoch who did not see death and was taken away by God, then is Noah whose faith led to the saving of his household in the ark, then its Abraham and Sarah- having displayed faith- in dwelling in a foreign country and to have a heir, the test to sacrifice Isaac etc. Then we are told of the faith of the patriarchs- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Then the list cites Moses- who faithfully led the people according to God’s command in Egypt.
We would have expected the list to continue with the name- Joshua, the one who succeeded Moses to bring Israelites to the Promised Land but surprisingly we are told the faith of Rahab!
“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:31; NKJV).
Indeed, a great recognition for someone who humbly accepted to be a second class citizen! Illustrious family names/pedigree holds no importance in the eyes of the Lord; a humble spirit and a faithful heart does.
Rahab’s life teaches us that God can use anybody- the ones in the ‘outside camps’ or those who are insignificant in the worldly eyes for His work.
To be continued..
Your brother in Christ,
Rincy John
