By Faith Rahab the Prostitute Did not Perish

This meditation is based on a passage for January 4, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Hebrews 11:23-31

Reflection and Question: Last summer, I was blessed to participate in a worship service that was rooted in this litany of the faithful in Scripture, meant to inspire us to live in our time, as well, by “the conviction of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1)”. We were invited to add examples of deep faith to this list. I was struck by the fact that Rahab was the only woman (Sarah is mentioned but not as an example of faith in God). I added Vasthi (Esther 1:12), who, like Moses, was “unafraid of the king’s anger.” So in my list, Rahab has a sister to stand with her. Who do you see as an example of great faith?

Prayer: Eternal God, thank You for the inspiration of those who “who died in the faith without having received the promises.” Regard not our sins, but the faith of Your church. May we become inspiration to the generations who will come after us. Amen.