Rahab

“By FAITH, Rahab the Harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies.” Hebrews 11:32

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho. When two spies from Joshua’s army needed to remain hidden, she hid them well. The men thanked her and promised her that she and her household would be saved when the army came to defeat Jericho.

Rahab the Harlot, was not only spared, but she also became a member of the lineage of Jesus! She is one of only five women that is specifically mentioned in Matthew 1. So how does this woman, a lady who had a less than stellar reputation, make it not only into the lineage of Jesus, but also has a mention in the Faith Chapter in Hebrews? Why would God choose Rahab, of all people?

Because it’s not about who you were.

God’s not a God of position, he is a God of relationship. He doesn’t need a long list of credentials or qualities, he just wants us to be available. And when the time comes to jump all in, he’s going to be there to help us plant our feet.

Rahab may have been know by others as a harlot, but to God she is known as Rahab the Faithful. Rahab the Believer. Rahab the Treasured. Rahab the Chosen. Rahab the Repaired. Rahab the New.

New.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

We all get the chance to become new. We don’t have to let the past struggles define us. We don’t have to let sin hold us captive. We can be like Rahab. A new creation. But we have to trade our chains in for the cross. We can’t claim Jesus and yet be owned by our sin. Are you, like Rahab, ready to let your old life go for a chance to live in freedom?