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Dear friends in Christ,
Isn’t this Joshua journey exciting? I am enjoying every step of the way! This Sunday we turn our attention to the story of Rahab and the two spies as found in Joshua 2. I hope you’ll take the time to read this story through before worship. It is full of intrigue and bold moves – great drama! Here is the cliff note version: Joshua has told the people to be strong and courageous and to prepare provisions for they are about to take possession of the land God is giving them. As any smart leader should, Joshua determines to discover what obstacles are ahead and what it is going to take to successfully move into God’s promised land. He sends out two spies who find lodging in the home of Rahab, the prostitute. (There are several different theories as to why the spies chose Rahab’s accommodations but I’ll leave that one for you to ponder. ) Rahab informs the spies that the people of Jericho are super fearful of the God of the Israelites. God’s reputation precedes Him and Rahab knows the Lord has given the land to Joshua and the people of God. Therefore she boldly hides the spies, lies to the king of Jericho, and negotiates a covenant of protection for her and her family. This is one shrewd and faith-filled woman!
Rahab the prostitute is used by God in Joshua 2 and later included in the genealogy of Jesus (Mathew 1), as a hallmark of faith (Hebrews 11:31), and as an example of one considered righteous (James 2:25). Once again I am reminded of the types of people God continually uses in His story. The question becomes, “If God can use Rahab, is it possible that He could use me?” I hope you’ll come on Sunday morning as we consider this together. Why not bring someone with you? Sometimes we assume that people like Rahab (a pagan, a Canaanite, and a prostitute) have no interest in God. Let’s not gauge a person’s interest in God by their background, life-style, or appearance. Extend the invitation and see what God’s Spirit does!
Big thanks to all those who have written devotionals for this Joshua journey. Today’s sharing by the Hackman family was just what I needed to start my day. If you don’t have a devotional yet, please stop by the church and pick one up out of the pews. It is well worth the read!
I also want to remind you that we are hoping to receive our summer Phase Two remodeling project pledges by June 27th so prayerfully consider what your gift will be for this much-needed remodel. We are currently at almost $18,000 of the $40,000 needed. We’d love to get this started in July!
In closing, God hid the spies on Rahab’s rooftop. Psalm 91 reminds us, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
God’s grace and peace,
Sonja Dixon
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