The Spies Receive Help from Rahab

This meditation is based on a passage for July 12, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Joshua 2:1-14

Reflection and Question: This was one of the Bible stories that gripped my imagination when I was very young. It probably helped that a woman featured prominently in it. Of course, as a child, I had no notion as to what a “prostitute” was and I don’t remember anyone talking about it. It is striking that Rahab is mentioned in Matthew 1:5 as an ancestor of Jesus and in Hebrews 11:30 as a model of faith. If we only read Leviticus, Rahab, the prostitute and the non-Hebrew, would be shunned. Instead, her courage and resourcefulness guide my faithfulness. What qualities in Rahab inspire you?

Prayer: Eternal God, we give You thanks for the great cloud of witnesses whose faith inspires and sustains us. Rahab cleared the way for Your people to enter the Promised Land; we rejoice in her service to You. May we do the same for You. Amen.