Why Joshua sent two spies to Jericho? Joshua sent them to check
out the city¡¦s fortification, because Joshua did not want to move ahead
without information, he also did not want to cause the people to stumble
and question his wisdom and ability to lead the nation.
Why would the spies stop at the house of Rahab,
a prostitute? 1) Rahab¡¦s house was in an ideal location
for a quick escape because it was built into the city wall (2:15). 2) God directed the spies to Rahab¡¦s house
because He knew her heart was open to God and she would be instrumental in
the Israelite victory over Jericho. God often uses people with simple faith to
accomplish his great purposes, no matter what kind of past they have had or
how insignificant they seem to be. Rahab didn¡¦t allow her past to keep her
from the new role God had for her.
Rahab has faith that God simply asks
us to put our trust in Him and to do the best we know how. Rahab did that
and was commended for her faith.
3) Flax grows to a height of three or four
feet. Staked on the root, it made an excellent hiding place for the spices.
B. Declaration of Faith: Joshua 2:8-13
¬ù®Ñ¨È2: 8Before the spies lay
down for the night, she went up on the roof. 9 and said to them,
"I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear
of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting
in fear because of you. 10. We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for
you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two
kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and
everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in
heaven above and on the earth below. 12. Now then, please swear
to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have
shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign. 13. that you will spare the
lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to
them, and that you will save us from death."
Many would assume that Rahab - a pagan, a Canaanite, and a prostitute - would
never be interested in God. Yet Rahab was willing to risk everything she
had for a God she barely knew. We must not gauge a person¡¦s interest in God
by his or her background, life-style, or appearance. We should let nothing
get in the way of our telling people about God. Romans 1:16a, ¡§I am not ashamed
of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone
who believes¡¨.
C. Promised Protection: Joshua 2:14-21
14, "Our lives for
your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are
doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the
land."
15, So she let them down by a rope
through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.
16, Now she had said to them,
"Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves
there three days until they return, and then go on your way."
17, The men said to her, "This
oath you made us swear will not be binding on us
18, unless, when we enter the land,
you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us
down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and
all your family into your house.
19, If anyone goes outside your
house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be
responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be
on our head if a hand is laid on him.
20, But if you tell what we are
doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear."
21, "Agreed,"
she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and
they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
Emmanuel God with Us (v.14-21)
Emmanuel God with us (v.14-21) Rahab and the spies agreed on
a plan. She had saved their lives and they would save her households.
Rahab
fulfilled her commitment to an alliance with the people of Israel. She took one additional
risk and lowered them out her window on a rope. She had committed herself to their cause
and to their God.
New
life: Rahab was a prostitute and she lied in order to save the spies. Yet
these sins did not define her. When the moment of decision came, how coverable
she responded to God in faith and she responded to God¡¦s people in kindness,
loyalty, and bravery!
God¡¦s
Plan: God sees each one and works through those who are willing to be part
of God¡¦s plan in this world.
CONCLUSION: We need to see others as
God does! and offer grace such as we have received.
Think
about: Consider the way God could use you in an unlikely way to impact God¡¦s
Kingdom this week.
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