SOAP No. 11: Fearless

Scripture: Before the spies lay down for the night, she (Rahab) went up on the roof 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. 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. 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. 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 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." – Joshua 2:8-13

Observation: Joshua had sent spies into Jericho, and, once the king of Jericho realized spies had entered his land, he searched for them. Rahab, a prostitute, hid them, though, to save their lives.

Application: (I'm taking a brief hiatus from 1 Samuel and turning to Joshua.)

I think we’re going to hear a lot of this in the coming years. I really do believe we’re on the brink of something really, really big – and I think we’re going to see a Godly revolution in this country. And…who knows? Maybe it can be initiated by blogging. The Web is the new online media. =)

Rahab told the spies that she had heard all the things God had done for the Israelities. Her people knew, too, and were fearful of the men – yet only Rahab and her family were saved from the destruction that soon followed. Why? How can you know of God and yet not come to Him? That just baffles me.

I think more “Rahabs” will search for God. I know they’re searching now. We just have to guide them to the One who can help them.

It’s also interesting to note the differences between Chapters 1 and 2 of Joshua. The first chapter has Joshua talking with the people, telling them to be strong and courageous. In fact, those words together are used FOUR times in the 18 verses. Be strong and courageous. And what do we find in Jericho with Rahab? “This country (is) melting in fear,” Rahab states. What a difference God makes! I’m pretty sure Rahab was not fearful after God saved her as the walls of Jericho came tumbling down.

Prayer: God, let us be strong and courageous, as you instructed the Israelites so long ago. Let us show mercy on the “Rahabs” of our culture and let us guide them to You. There are so many people in this world who are fearful – fearful of the economy, of terrorist attacks, of war. Let them realize there is hope in this world, despite what we may hear on news reports. Let us be strong and courageous.