I love stories of courageous children whose quick thinking rescues their families from disaster. You know the kind: Johnny smells smoke and rushes his parents and siblings to safety. Along with the family pets 
This one person’s resourcefulness creates a “hinge point” for the entire group, and their lives change forever.
I’m currently teaching through Joshua and camped with the Israelites in chapters two through six. I find so many lessons studying the conquest of Jericho, but the thing that stood out to me this time? Family drama.
Scripture doesn’t offer many details about the family of Rahab the harlot. Most families assumed responsibility for their single daughters, but we don’t see that with Rahab. Perhaps feeling a sense of responsibility toward her at one time, they likely turned their backs on her when she made her proverbial bed in a brothel.
But God never did. He saw a woman
- stripped of her dignity,
- longing for love, and
- tender to His voice.
So, He revealed Himself to her.
God then provided Rahab with an opportunity to escape her lonely life by sending two Israelite spies to her door. Concealing them from the king and helping them escape, she also provided them with critical intel:
“Everyone in Jericho knows you’re on the move. We know about the miraculous exodus, your desert wandering, and your recent conquests across the Jordan. Our hearts are melting with fear because we know we’re next!”
~Joshua 2:9-11 (suz paraphrase)
Then Rahab made a deal with them:
“… show kindness to my family …
spare the lives of my father and mother,
my brothers and sisters, and
all who belong to them…”
~Joshua 2:12-13 (NIV)
The spies agreed, gave her instructions and fled into the mountains. Rahab watched them rappel down the wall, closed her window and gathered her thoughts. Next, face her family and convince them to move in with her.
Rahab had no inkling of God’s timeline. She told the spies to hide for three days, but as far as she knew, the Israelites would ford the Jordan River on Day 4 and storm Jericho. She had no idea it would be at least two weeks before their rescue, including one week of daily marches around the city!
Oh, to be a fly on the wall in a houseful of tense, anxious, dysfunctional family members! But Rahab’s faith and determination impressed her family enough that they stayed put and waited.
And were saved. All because of ONE family member, and an unlikely one at that.
“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the LORD looks at the heart.”
~1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV)
The God of the Israelites revealed Himself to a Canaanite prostitute because He knew her heart was tender toward Him. He also knew her heart was tender to her family and that her quick thinking would provide a “hinge point” that would change their lives forever.
Photo Credit: Michal Marco/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Oh, this is wonderful! My maternal grandmother was not a believer when she got married. Before WWII, she walked her friend to church every Sudnay morning so she wouldn’t be alone. She finally got tired of it and decided to read her Bible to prove her friend wrong. She became a Christian! After my grandma’s walking partner moved away, my grandpa had to walk with her. Guess who became a Christian next and was instrumental in saving many souls?
Wow, Tereasa – what a great testimony! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Hugs from VA!
Fantastic– it reminds me of what my husband always tells me when the enemy starts to make me wonder if I am really doing anything with my ministry.
“Sweetheart– if you touch one person… ONE is enough.”
Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, Sharita. PTL for wise husbands who help us maintain our focus! So glad you stopped by today!
Oh, thank you Susan! I have only focused on Rahab and I never thought about Rahab’s family. I imagine it did get a little ‘tense’ in that house! I love your thoughts on this passage and I love learning something new from YOU!
LOL leave it to me to come up with the most random thing ever! But seriously… it’d would’ve been a little uncomfortable in a bunch of ways, wouldn’t it??
Thanks for always stopping by. I missed you and am glad you’re home!
and hopefully tick-free
A great word here. … I love Rahab’s story, and think it’s amazing that — as it turns out — she is an ancestor of Christ.
Isn’t it amazing how God used Rahab? I’m finding a lot to write about with her
Thanks for stopping by today, Jennifer!
Hi Susan – I read that passage not too long ago, and sorta blipped over her family without giving it too much thought other than “That was nice of her…” and “Of course she would try to save her family…” LOL! I love that you dug into it and made us think a little bit harder about the reality of her circumstance and what that may have been like for her! I never had given much thought to potential strained relationships there. I wonder if her entire family came and how much convincing she had to do. I’m guessing she also was taking a big risk by admitting to someone she had harbored the Israelite spies.
I KNOW, right — There’s so much happening in that story! And more is coming next week…
Thanks for stopping by today, Jeannette. Looking forward to seeing what YOU’RE ironing out this week!
Thank you Susan,
I absolutely love the book of Joshua! Excited to read your posts each week.
Love you, Hester
Thanks, Hester! Hope you’re settling in and enjoying your new digs
Love you too!!
Great post, Susan. I remember the first time I spotted Rahab in the lineage of Jesus and being overwhelmed by God’s grace and mercy. Oh, the sweet taste of redemption.
It’s amazing, isn’t it. We’re nothing but hot messes, yet He is SO good to us. More to come on Rahab… Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Cathy!
Hokie hugs from VA
Susan, I loved this today! The first time I realized Rahab was in the lineage of Jesus was hearing Vonda point it out in a teaching. Her point that God sees us as women…not as something He can’t use! I loved that from the first time I heard it! Love you!
What a great truth, Jamie! Isn’t it amazing the way He can use us?
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Love you!!
I always love your insights, Susan. Family does have drama, but it only takes one to change the direction of a family, of the next generaion… It just takes one.
Thanks for stopping by, Di. You’re so right – all it takes is one to change the course. Hope you’re enjoying your vacation!!
Rahab should give everyone insight into God’s immeasurable grace! Thanks for the deeper insight into Rahab’s family! You have a great ministry through your blog, Susan!
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, Joy! Hope all is well with you and the family. Sure miss seeing you around Roanoke!
Love, Susan
Susan,
Wow. What a wonderful reminder that there is always more to a story than what we first read! Wouldn’t it be interesting to hear about those three days from the eyes of the family members? I have to wonder what cracks in their hearts were revealed or healed because of Rahab’s courage and faith…I am incredibly thankful that I found you on NOBH. I love your writing.
Love and God Bless,
Christy
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting, Christy. I’m honored the Lord would speak to you through this post, and I’m with you — the family had a lot of opportunity while they waited to be rescued. Hopefully the fear they shared broke down any walls they’d built. Few things are more tragic than a family at odds with each other.
Love,
Susan
Oh, I love this! Isn’t He astounding…the way He brings out the gold amidst the plentiful dirt! We’re so good at pointing out the dirt, but He’s so good at shining us up, wooing our broken hearts to His, and wrecking us for the empty things of this world. Thanks for your precious words of wisdom – snuck away from the whirlwind of life to soak you in for a moment!
Hi Joy — What a special treat!! I’m so glad you got a chance to drop in. I know how precious your time is
YES, our amazing God is beyond comprehension. The ways He transforms us… truly AWESOME.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!
Hugs from VA,
Susan