A Safe Place for Rahab, the Harlot, Part 1
Christmas Potpourri, Part 2
I can only imagine the conflicting emotions that filled the women of Israel as Rahab, the Harlot, set up housekeeping outside the camp of God's people. Rumors about this streetwise hussy must have flown from woman to woman as they watched her unpack her colorful garments and exotic treasures. In keeping with their promise of safety for her family, the spies led her from Jericho to a place "outside the camp." However, at some point, Rahab, the Harlot, began living "with the Israelites." What happened? I think that among the women of Israel was at least one who took a deep breath, packed up a basket of stuffed grapeleaves, Syrian bread and baked kibbi and resolutely walked the pathway to the door of this strange woman's tent, determined to embrace and welcome her into the family of God.
Rahab, always called the Harlot in scripture, is the second woman mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. I love Rahab. When Chuck and I were working on our book, Treasures of Faith - Living Boldly in View of God's Promises, I had the privilege of getting inside Rahab's skin so that we could adequately tell her story. Rahab is one of the most unlikely women whose "legal family" blood would flow in the veins of the Messiah, yet, God unapologetically includes her.
She was a harlot (or prostitute) who lived in Jericho. She ran a whorehouse - there is no other way of saying it. In her community, she was respected because her culture revered prostitutes as a necessary part of worship of their gods. Her business was strategically placed on the wall of Jericho so she was well exposed to happenings outside of Israel. Not only well-placed city officials but traveling businessmen frequented her "ladies" and maybe even Rahab herself. God used these visitors to teach Rahab about His character so that when the Israeli spies stopped by, she declared to them that "He is God." (Read Joshua 1 - 6 for the whole story). Because she believed in God's faithfulness and power, she hid the spies in exchange for her life and the safety of her family.
By doing so, Rahab, the harlot, was now a liar and traitor to her countrymen. Yet, she is not only included in the genealogy of Jesus, she is listed with Sarah in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. In addition, James uses her as an example of a faith that works. What supernatural hope Rahab's life communicates to people broken and stained by their own sinful choices.
Rahab becomes the wife of Salmon. Together they give birth to Boaz. We'll hear about Boaz when we talk about Ruth because Boaz married Ruth, a Gentile. Boaz and Ruth give birth to Obed, the father of Jesse. Jesse is the father of King David from whom flows the blood of the Messiah. There are so many life lessons in Rahab but one that stands out takes me back to my first thoughts. Who befriended Rahab? After winning the battle of Jericho, "the young men
who had done the spying went in and brought out Rahab, her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel." Joshua 6:23I like to believe an older woman, maybe the mother of one of the spies, embraced Rahab and insisted the other women welcome her. Someone created a safe place for Rahab, the harlot. I am always challenged by this story to ask myself if I am creating a safe place "in the camp (church)" for Rahab today. 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 lives among the Israelites to this day."
If Rahab was pictured in God's Christmas Catalog, the description would read,
"Looking for a belief that is unwavering? An ability to stand alone, even in the face of incredible danger? Do you need beauty from ashes and encouragement that your past does not make you ineligible for God's family or service in His church? Then God's gift to Rahab is for you, too."
In His grip,
Sharon
PS For more on Rahab's story, check out Chuck's book, .Harlots and Heroines, Midwives of the Messiah This book is a great way to soak in the Christmas story in preparation for Christmas. Leave a comment or subscribe to this blog to be entered into a December Drawing for a copy of Harlots and Heroines!