“Rahab, the harlot.” Isn’t that the easiest way to remember? I have often seen her used as an example when people want to mention people founded by grace in the Bible. However, aside from that famous line, I must say that Rahab demonstrated faith, leadership and love.
Some of the greatest life lessons can be learnt from those Bible characters that had little writings about them. Even though they popped up once or twice in the entire Bible, being mentioned at all is very significant. Rahab is one of such character and I would love you to imbibe these lessons.
Lesson 1: She took Risks and wasn’t held back by fear
Rahab knew that these men were spies, yet, she took them in. She even defied the Kings order when she was ordered to bring those men instantly. Disobeying the king was a risk and taking the men in was also a risk for they were enemies.
She could have been held back by fear of the spies or the king, but No, she knew fear holds no good. There are times destiny matters, and purpose fulfilment calls for taking risks. Are you willing to take risks on your path? How has fear limited you? What or who are you afraid of that has stopped you from chasing that dream?
Lesson 2: She saw the Opportunity
Rahab was discerning enough to know that this was doom. These people are here to take our land which spells death for everyone. She saw that negotiating and helping these people meant deliverance for her and her household. She took advantage of the opportunity when it came her way.
Have you tried to find the opportunity or gain lying in what you call challenges and difficulties?
Lesson 3: She knew what she wanted
Joshua 2:12-13 — “12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token: 13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” (KJV)
She already knew that after it all, it is the freedom and protection of her family she wants. I’ve seen a lot of people asked by their helper that “what do you want or how should I help you?” Then they respond “Anything or Anyway you can help me.”
Really? Hmm…
Anything can also imply nothing. You must know how you wish to be helped. You have been given a plain cheque, name your price. If she never knew what she wanted, she would have lost that opportunity.
Lesson 4: No Procrastination
Joshua 2:18, 21— “18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee. … 21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.” (KJV)
They gave her an instruction and she acted on it immediately after they left. She didn’t wait to rest or go all over what has transpired again. This is what has makes a lot of people lose out on opportunities. They procrastinate a lot. Do what needs to be done.
Lesson 5: The Law of Value – Nothing valuable is free
Rahab understood that if she was to benefit at all from the opportunity that came her way, it will come at a cost, she literarily risked her life to save her life and the life of her household, this is sacrifice.
Lesson 6: Let your result speak
Nobody knew what she was planning, she kept acting all alone and I’m sure her family only knew when they eventually got saved after all the process. Stop explaining your all moves to everyone; they might not understand you, they could doubt you and they could even end up discouraging you or worse they could make themselves a delibrate hindrance. Let your result do the announcement.
Lesson 7: She wasn’t selfish
Rahab could have easily asked for herself to be kept safe without caring about others. But she loved her family and plead for all of her households to be helped.
Lesson 8: She was Trustworthy
She trusted those strangers and she didn’t divulge their secrets. How secretive are you? Can God trust you?
Lesson 9: She took responsibility and action for it all.
Lesson 10: She was Hospitable
Lesson 11: Your past and background cannot hinder God if you want to be used.
Conclusion.
Yes, Grace found Rahab, but she responded well to it through her sacrifices. In our world of today, we are so quick to attribute people’s success, achievement, wins, and so on to “Grace and luck” alone. Well, they might be lucky and God might have been gracious to them, but it all doesn’t come on a platter of Gold. Some work, responsibilities, decisions and actions have gone into it.
In the same way, beyond seeing Rahab as a harlot, I hope you’ve seen her in a new light today and you’d emulate these worthy lessons from her life.