Welcome, Rahab!
Journey to Christmas With the Midwives of the Messiah
by Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Psalm 62: 1-2 ESV
We don’t know who embraced Rahab and insisted the other women welcome her as well. What we do know is that just as Rahab provided a safe place for the spies, someone created a safe place for Rahab the Harlot. This story challenges me to ask myself if I am creating a safe place "in the camp (church)" for Rahab today just as Jesus creates a safe place for me. Oh, that I will be the one who embraces the broken woman whose lifestyle is different than mine but whose heart resonates with the same need for Jesus. Joshua 6:25 feeds my imagination with the words "...and she lived in Israel to this day." This passage begs the question, “What Rahabs live among the children of God today?” Is there a Rahab in my life who needs to feel the safety of living among God’s people? What is her story, how does God want her story to deepen my own faith? Let’s dig deeper and be honest. Each woman “in the church” is Rahab the Harlot, hopelessly lost without Jesus. I am Rahab. You are Rahab. Surely, the grace I have received compels me to open wide the doors of God’s local church to welcome every Rahab who longs for forgiveness and redemption.
Review Today’s Treasure and imagine Rahab starting her journey with God by declaring that from this moment forward she would claim Him as her protector, her shield, her safe place. No doubt God kept the promise of protecting her by placing her in the middle of the Israelite family.
Perhaps your past choices generate fear of exposure yet also a longing for a place where you can be vulnerable and honest, just as Rahab was. Don’t give up on that longing. Imagine Rahab joining us on our journey to Christmas, grabbing your hand and pulling you toward her, joyfully exclaiming, “I have so much to share with you! Yahweh transformed me from Rahab the Harlot into a princess in Israel! I am a daughter of the King and you can be one, too!”
Ask the Lord to direct you to a church, a small group, a friend with whom you can share your story and your choice to embrace the Lord as your protector, shield, and safe place.
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LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Read Chapter 2 in Harlots and Heroines, The Midwives of the Messiah to dig deeper into the life of Rahab. Note other personal lessons Rahab teaches through her life. Let this “Midwife of the Messiah” help turn your heart toward Jesus!
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.