Introduction

Chapter 2 of the Book of Joshua reveals to us that people who seek God will receive the Promised Land because this chapter recorded a very special person, and doesn’t sound very honourable, Rahab the prostitute.

Rahab the prostitute is a very remarkable character in the Bible. But what I found shocking is that many people have the Biblical name Ruth, but not Rahab, why? Because people taboo the word prostitute

Why did the Bible record Rahab, a prostitute? We do not speculate and think of people's sins when we do Bible study. Some people say that David committed adultery because he had the blood of a prostitute in his ancestry, which is nonsense. The Bible doesn't talk about the background of Rahab's prostitute having any impact on receiving the Promised Land. Instead, it talks about how the people in the city of Jericho had been sentenced to death and only Rahab’s family was saved because God decreed that:

They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys. (Joshua6:21 NIV)

Rahab and her whole family were also sentenced to death, but Rahab sought God. As a result, Joshua sent two spies to the city of Jericho and came to her house. Rahab protected them, and eventually, she herself and her whole family were saved and survived.

Rahab is amazing. Even though she is a prostitute, she and her family were saved, and she is one of the special people in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
(Matthew 1:3-6 NIV)

It goes on to the birth of Jesus Christ. The four women, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, are all remarkable women. Rahab was on the list of people who will perish, but she miraculously turned her fate around because she understood that whoever seeks God will also be able to possess the land.

Our God Is Full of Grace and Mercy

A person was among those who should perish, but because they sought God, they were saved. We need to understand several things, first, that God is a God of salvation. Our God is a God of grace and mercy because that is what our God is. People who don't know God often think our God is fierce and cruel, especially when they read the Old Testament Bible, but the God in the Old Testament and the God in the New Testament are the same. We need to know God because we don't know what God is doing, we think God is cruel.

If you know God as Rahab did, even though she was a devoted thing, a person to perish, she was saved because she sought God, and it was when Joshua was in a difficult situation, he sent two spies specifically to save her and her whole family. She became one who inherit the Promised Land and also took up the covenant that God had promised in us and appeared in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Our God clearly had a clear revelation, why did God destroy these cities? Because the people in these cities did much evil, and in the book of Deuteronomy says this:

After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the LORD. (Deuteronomy 9:4-7 NIV)

You went in and took the land as a possession because of the wickedness of the people of the land. If everyone in the city of Jericho were like Rahab, repenting, seeking God, wanting to be saved, knowing that God of Israel is a very powerful God, not to be stubborn and rebellious, not hardened in heart, then God will surely save the whole city.

Whether it is the Old Testament or the New Testament, what kills people is the hardness in us, that is, whether you are an Israeli or non-Israeli, a Christian or a non-Christian, people cannot be hardened in their hearts. So, in the second chapter of Deuteronomy, it says that God did not want to destroy Sihon, the king of Heshbon, but the king of Heshbon was hardened in his heart:

But Sihon king of Heshbon refused to let us pass through. For the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and his heart obstinate in order to give him into your hands, as he has now done.
The LORD said to me, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his country over to you. Now begin to conquer and possess his land.”
When Sihon and all his army came out to meet us in battle at Jahaz, the LORD our God delivered him over to us and we struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army. (Deuteronomy 2:30-33 NIV)

If there were an old person under King Heshbon, a man who seeks God, then no matter how humble he is, God will surely find a way to save him. We need to really know how gracious and merciful our God is. Rahab was a prostitute, not much better. But what’s so great about her? First, she had the desire to know God, and second, she had the desire to save her family. These two things moved God, so God had Joshua send two spies to save her under difficult circumstances.

This was a challenge for Joshua, it was a risky thing to do. Because 40 years ago, or 38 years ago, Joshua was one of the spies, and the struggle in him was obvious. What if he sent two men in and the king of Jericho found out and killed them? What if the two spies went in, came back safely, and then gave the Israelites evil letters, saying that the people there were giants and the walls were strong and tall so that the Israelites' hearts were digested? That would be big trouble.

In fact, how sure was Joshua of what was going to happen? On a technical level, he really wasn't too sure. But on the level of faith, he knew that God would work for salvation in this generation, and as a result, he was determined to send two spies. The names of the two spies are not mentioned here, but Joshua sent them secretly.

This was a challenging thing for Joshua. Because 40 years ago, or 38 years ago, Joshua was one of the spies. He struggles, what if he sent two men in and the king of Jericho found out and killed them? What if the two spies went in, came back safely, and then give bad reports to the Israelites, telling them that the people there are giants and the walls are strong and tall so that the Israelites' hearts melt in fear? That would be big trouble.

In fact, how sure was Joshua about what was going to happen? From the technical level, he wasn't too sure. But from the level of faith, he knows that God will bring salvation to this generation, so he resolutely sent two spies secretly.

Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. (Joshua 2:1 NIV)

When the two spies came back, they didn’t bring bad reports. Through this event, we see that Joshua breaks layer after layer of worry and did something that saved Rahab’s family. This chapter is about this story. This topic tells us, even though we are sentenced to death, if we seek God, we can be like the Israelites, and also can inherit the Promised Land.

There is a big difference between knowing God and not knowing God. I want everyone to know God, and our God is a God full of grace, full of love, and full of mercy.

The flood in Noah’s time was because the people of that generation were so wicked that all they could think about was evil. So, God wiped out that generation. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because the people of that place were so wicked that anyone, male or female, who passed through that city would be raped. How wicked was this?

When the land of Canaan is given to the Israelites, the people of the place were already full of evil. Why didn’t God give that land to Abraham immediately? Why did He wait for more than 400 years later? We need to know clearly that in Abraham's time, although the people in that place also worshiped idols, they were not yet full of evil, and they still feared God.

So, we need to know that every one of us must learn to fear God. For your longevity on earth is all about Him. The problems we encounter on earth can never be solved by man's solutions. But if you trust in God, God will be the answer to all our problems.

Have The Desire to Know God

Rahab has the heart to seek God and a desire to be saved, and this moved God, and God moved Joshua to send two spies to save her. Rahab was from the city of Jericho, a Gentile and a prostitute. The Israelites clearly said they could not marry a Gentile, but why did the Israelites marry Rahab? Why does she appear in the genealogy of Jesus Christ?

Anyone who knows God thinks this is a good thing because Rahab is one of the few people in the world who is considered precious in the eyes of God. If we seek God and want to be the salvation of the family, our faith will move God, and God will surely raise us up to be the salvation of the family.

How did Rahab know God? Is it not strange that she received the spies of the Israelites? The two spies came wonderfully to Rahab's house. What did she say?

and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land 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 in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. (Joshua 2:9-11 NIV)

Do you have that kind of guts? The God whom we trust is the God of the heavens and the earth. Do we have the heart and mind of Rahab to say, “I am trusting in Him?” Rahab knows God. She desires to be an Israelite, she longed for this God to be her God, and she longed for this God to be the salvation of her family. Later she really becomes a part of the nation of Israel.

Those who are like Israel in their hearts are the true Israelites, and those who are like Abraham in their hearts are the true descendants of Abraham. Do not think that those who are born from Abraham's flesh are all Abraham's descendants. The Pharisees were also Israelites, but Jesus said: You brood of vipers! You are the sons of the devil.

“Abraham is our father,” they answered.
“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. You are doing the works of your own father.”
“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:39-44 NIV)

In terms of flesh, we are not the descendants of Abraham. But in terms of faith, we are the descendants of Abraham. We have the faith of Abraham, that is, the desire to know God, the desire to be God's people, the desire to receive God's grace, the desire to be the salvation of our family, trust God and seek God. If you seek God, God saves you even if you are in the destroyed city of Jericho. Not to mention you are a member of God's people today. A person whose heart desires to be the salvation of your family, your faith will move our God.

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 2:12-13 NIV)

Desires To Be the Salvation of The Family

God is a God who cares very much about our families. Rahab asked the two spies to also save her parents, brothers, sisters, and all that belonged to them, and to save their lives from death. If we do not even love our own parents, will we love others? If our hearts are hardened and we identify good and evil with our parents, can we still love others?

Be a person who knows God like Rahab because Rahab has such a heart and mind and she knows that my God is not a God who wants to perish me or my family, but that God will save me and save my family because of me. We are not ruled over by our families today, but we are to be their salvation.

Some time ago, one of my co-workers pastored a child who had a lot of hatred for her parents. In fact, this child was among us and was released again and again and was not released successfully. She had a very bad habit of not seeing any love for her parents, but all hatred in her, and it's all identifying good and evil.

God is a God who cares very much about our families. Rahab asked the two spies to also save her parents, brothers, sisters, and all that belonged to them, and to save their lives from death. If we do not even love our own parents, will we love others? If our hearts are hardened and we identify good and evil with our parents, can we still love others?
Be a person who knows God like Rahab because Rahab has such a heart and mind and she knows that my God is not a God who wants to perish me or my family, but that God will save me and save my family because of me. We are not ruled over by our families today, but we are to be their salvation.

Some time ago, one of my co-workers ministered to a child who had a lot of hatred for her parents. In fact, this child was among us and was released again and again and was not released successfully. She had a very bad habit of not seeing any love for her parents, but all hatred in her, and it's all identifying good and evil.

She came to us because she ran away from home and received a lot of grace in the church. She left as how she came. Finally, this co-worker of mine said, "Gradually I began to realize that people who identify good and evil with their parents are actually in serious trouble.

The fifth commandment of the Ten Commandments is to honour your father and mother. What kind of person is this who does not honour his parents? In his heart, he remembers all the evils of others, even the evils of his parents. when he was born, he can't do anything but let his parents take care of him.

It is a grace that his parents take care of him. Even if his parents are bad, are wrong, we are not qualified to identify good and evil with them. If we identify good and evil with our own parents and remember their wickedness, what do you think God will think of such a person?

If there are people who only remember their parents’ wickedness, and remember maybe a little bit of their kindness, they will surely live in curses. If this is the case for you and your parents,

All the shepherds among us, observe carefully whether our brothers and sisters have such bad habits, and if they do, such people really need to repent greatly.

Are you willing to emulate the example of Rahab, in whom God is pleased, and be the salvation of your family? Rahab's greatest concern was the salvation of her family. How can a person be a man with destiny if they do not care about their family and their nation, but only care about trivial things? If, like Rahab, you believe that God is the God of heaven and earth, that He is full of grace and mercy, that anyone who seeks Him, even if I’m from Jericho, a prostitute and have a bad reputation, will be saved and that He is the answer to all the problems your family are experiencing. How could you not tell your parents this great news? Then you will do your best to preach this gospel to them. Let them also receive the Promised Land and the exceedingly abundant grace and mercy from God, just like we do.

The first chapter talks about the character of Joshua, who was weak, but became strong through God, and then lead the Israelites to inherit the land as a possession. Chapter 2 talks about the character of Rahab, the prostitute in Jericho. She is amazing and has brought salvation and grace to her family.

As a result of Rahab's seeking, God sent two spies to her house. Her feeling at that time was, "Ah, God is really a faithful God. I was among the perishing, but because I sought You, I trusted You, I longed to know You and longed to be saved, You sent two spies to my house to save me."

Gentle In Heart, No Longer Stubborn and Rebellious

God is looking for treasures in heaven and earth, and when He finds them, He hides them and sells all He has and buy them. Our God became our salvation and our grace. Our God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross, and rise from the dead, for what? To bring these treasures into the kingdom of God.

Though we are humble, we know that He is the God of heaven and earth and that He will bring salvation. If we seek God in our hearts, one who seeks will find; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Return to God, and He will return to us.

Let's not be stubborn and rebellious, let's not be stubborn and rebellious like Sihon, the king of Heshbon, King Teresa of Bashan, and king of Jericho, who has a stubborn heart and was stiff-necked to be destroyed by God.

People say that God made us stubborn, but you have the chance to choose. Today we need to be gentle in our hearts, not so hardened. God has revealed one thing over and over again in the Bible, God wants to save us if we can be gentle in our hearts.

The Bible says this:

But Samuel replied:
“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
as much as in obeying the LORD ?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23 NIV)

Through the fact that Rahab was able to be saved, I know deeply that our God is really a good God. Do people die in the hand of God? No, they die in their own sins. In Joshua's time, more than 600,000 Israelites died in the wilderness because of the hardness of their hearts, because they did not trust God, and they did not seek God. They said, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? " How can these people with not functioning heads inherit the Promised Land?

If there is one most beautiful thing on earth, it is to inherit the promise from God. If there is one thing worth seeking in this world, it is our God, and nothing else matters.

Rahab is so amazing. She was able to make her whole family gather in her house, and all was saved. Do you have such heart and mind? I will emulate Joshua and Rahab, receive God’s promises and be the salvation of the family no matter what.

Emulate The Longing Heart of Rahab

The two spies came to Rahab's house and King Jericho sent someone to Rahab's house to ask her to bring out the two spies, but Rahab ended up hiding them and told lies to protect the two spies. The result was unacceptable to many religious people because the Bible says lying is not allowed. Fortunately, this Rahab was a wise woman, and a wise woman does wise things.

Rahab told a lie, they have gone out already, you go after them quickly and may be able to catch up. In fact, she hid the two spies in the house. Some people are so stubborn and obstinate. Criticize Rahab for lying. Is this a lie? Are they saying that Rahab should say, "I have these two spies."? But do you want to save yourself and your family? Think about it and you’ll know which one weighs more.

Don't lose something big by trying to save a little. Losing a little by trying to save something big is okay. In fact, our God is not too strict about small things. None of the later prophets criticized Rahab for lying, but today there are many pastors who criticize Rahab, saying that Rahab lied, or she was a prostitute, and therefore her descendants have been guilty of adultery for generations. Such people are so strange, how come they don't see that Rahab has destiny? Why can't you see that she and her whole family were saved while the whole city of Jericho was destroyed?

Yes, Rahab lied, but she was saved. I am not encouraging people to lie, but things must be divided into priorities, know which one is more important. Also, Jacob lied, and his father asked him, "Are you Esau?" It was clearly Jacob, but he answered, "I am Esau." His father said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, and the hand is Esau's hand." This was a clear lie. But some religious people thought it was not okay, as if they were better than Jacob and better than Rahab. I think we only have a role to emulate, not to criticize or judge.

As a result, the spies asked Rahab to tie a red cord to the window of her house, and with this red cord, the family would not be destroyed. And everyone was to be gathered in the house.

The two spies said to Rahab:

Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” (Joshua 2:17-20 NIV)

Rahab lowered the two men through the window, and they fled to the mountains for three days. Returning to Joshua and reported the good news. As the verses say:

Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. They said to Joshua, “The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” (Joshua 2:23-24 NIV)

Our God is very amazing. The second chapter shows us clearly that both Rahab and Joshua were the apples in God's eye. Emulate the guts of Rahab: even if you are among those who are to perish, you still can be saved. We must have a longing heart in us, never be hardened or numbed, and regain the love we had for God in the beginning.

May the LORD bless you!