Capeless Heroes: A 7-Day Bible Reading PlanSample

Day 4: Not All Heroes Have a Superhero Name

Recently I took my three year old to a new park in my area called the Dream Playground. I immediately noticed all of the kids wearing comic-themed clothes. One kid wore a shirt featuring a Batman who was way too smiley and screamy to be the Dark Knight. Another boy had on a Superman shirt, which was ironic considering his obvious fear of heights. One of the younger kids had on a Captain America shirt, which I found funny since he kept hiding behind his mom. But my favorite was the little girl who was wearing a colorful shirt that said, “Be awesome.”

In today’s readings, we learn about an unexpected hero named Rahab. No one saw Rahab as a hero. Nobody in Jericho had a t-shirt with her face on it. She was probably seen as one of the city's villains. She was a prostitute. We don't know why Rahab sold her body for money. Like most little girls, she probably dreamed of growing up to be a princess. Whether Rahab chose her profession or was forced into it, the truth is Rahab needed rehab. Rahab needed God to come to her rescue.

When Joshua sent two guys into Jericho to do some reconnaissance, Rahab was given an opportunity to save the day. She chose to hide the spies on the roof of her home, and in turn, they promised the Israelites would spare the lives of her entire family. While Rahab is introduced as a prostitute in Joshua chapter 2, her name would ultimately be included in the lineage of Jesus, with the label "prostitute" nowhere to be found. Her identity had been redefined. In fact, Rahab is identified as a hero of the faith in the books of Hebrews and James. Her story changed from one of shame to one of glorious beauty. 

The story of Rahab shows that you are not born a hero. You become a hero by your choices.

Action Step for Today:

Think of a hero you know who has impacted your life. Maybe they introduced you to Jesus or gave you an opportunity when you did not believe in yourself. Write them a thank you note, telling them how much you appreciate their choice to be a hero.