Year of the Bible: Part Four of Twelve Exemplo

Bad Woman, Big Faith.

Joshua started to make plans for the conquering of Canaan, and he decided to send in spies to see what they would face in Canaan. It is significant to note that he sent two spies, not twelve. This could have been because two of the twelve spies returned with a favorable report about the land. So, Joshua sent two spies, not necessarily to count the weapons or masses of troops, but rather to determine the people's morale in Canaan!

This move was significant because when God spoke to Joshua about leading the people, He told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Now, Joshua was spying out the land to see if the Canaanites were strong and courageous.

He sent two spies, and they stayed in a brothel run by a prostitute named Rahab. Rahab told the spies that the rumors of their God and the way He fought for them had reached the ears and hearts of the people of Canaan and the Canaanites were very afraid of what the Israelites would do to them. Rahab told them that she believed their God was the one true God and said she wanted to join them.

She had not seen any miracles or experienced God's presence; she merely heard and believed. She was a woman of great faith who knew God would give them the land. Rahab was not a good woman by moral standards, but this story shows us that she was a woman of great faith. David Pawson says, "God can do more with a bad woman who's got faith than a good woman who doesn't have faith." God is not looking for good behavior as much as He is looking for those who believe in Him.

The spies needed help, and Rahab helped them. She hid them on her roof when the city's men came looking for them. Then, she saved their lives by telling them where safety was. She told them to go west into the hills and hide for a few days. Had they gone east toward the Jordan river, they would have been found and captured. But, she knew how to keep them safe and gave them good instructions. The spies gave her a sign to show that she was to be spared when they conquered the city. Recalling the blood of the Passover lamb, they told her to hang something Scarlett out of her window, and they would "pass over" her house. She believed them and followed their instructions. Rahab and her family were saved when Jericho fell. Her faith led to her being assimilated into the Jewish culture and being listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Because of her faith, she was part of the line of the Messiah!

Question: Where is God asking you to exercise faith?

Prayer Focus: Being a "good" person is not a prerequisite to being loved by God and finding favor with Him. We believe, and He sets right our wrongs by putting us in Christ. Today, take some time to inventory the "good" you have done and the faith you have exercised. Ask God to help you not rely on your "goodness" but on the work of Jesus that you receive by faith!