Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHAT DID RAHAB DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

The scriptures tell us that Rahab was a harlot (a woman of ill-repute). But that is not all that the scriptures tell us about her. It may be thought extraordinary that such a woman should be mentioned in the Bible, especially by name and that more than once.

Not only was she a harlot, she is incorporated into the lineage of King David and also of Jesus. Could there be a higher elevation among mortals, let alone such a blatant sinner as she? Truly, her elevation was not a random chance. She did something very right. What was it?

In researching her history, it is learned that she lived in Jericho, and that her house joined hard against the inside wall of the city. Now Jericho was a mighty city with huge walls about it. Moreover, it was the first city the Hebrews would encounter after crossing the Jordan River and beginning their conquest of the Promised Land.

Joshua sent spies to determine the strength of the city. It was during this time that Rahab befriended the spies, and demonstrated her faith in God. Because of her actions, she was promised that she and all in her house would be saved alive in the siege of Jericho.

So, it came to pass as she was promised. Her faith in God and her putting that faith in action when the opportunity arose paid off big time for her, and all in her house. What did she do that was so right? She placed her faith in God, and she demonstrated that faith by saving the lives of His people when the opportunity was her’s.

Like Rahab, our life may not be cast in a day of great fame or attention paid by men, but we all have the opportunity to place our faith in God. God will then see to it that we will have the opportunity to demonstrate that precious faith. One way we do this is by faithful activity in the fellowship of His church. Another way is influencing lost men to be saved by trusting in the Lord Jesus.

Will we go down in history if we do these things? Well history is about over. Moreover, millions have trusted Jesus and lived for Him during their years, and we do not know their names. But God knows all of them. He also knows you and me today. We can claim a closeness to Jesus that Rahab never knew in her lifetime, and we can rejoice with her when God calls us home. Putting faith in Jesus and demonstrating that faith is so right!

FOR THOUGHT: Which is better, to do right though unsafe, or to do wrong and be safe? Do you think Rahab had a hard decision to make? Do you have hard decisions to make occasionally? How do you make them?