During the weeks of Advent, we’re looking at some of the stories of Jesus’ ancestors — those names that are usually glossed over in the “begats.” Today:Rahab.
Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:1-5, Joshua 2:1-14 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Mark Shoup):
In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? James 2:25
Did you ever see the movie Superman? You know, the one that came out in 1978 with Christopher Reeve and Gene Hackman? In it, Superman is taken prisoner by Lex Luthor and held by him while he causes a nuclear missile to veer off course and blast the San Andres Fault, thereby causing half of California to fall into the ocean. The plan is that then, Lex Luthor will own all the new ocean front property since he has bought up lots of the cheap mid-California desert. The plan doesn’t completely work, however, because Lex Luthor’s girlfriend has a change of heart and releases Superman from his Krypton chains.
The girlfriend goes from being one of the bad guys to being one of the good guys just from her actions at a key time.
The same is true for Rahab in today’s reading. Here she was, a member of an enemy tribe and a prostitute on top of that! But God spared her and even her family because she aided the Israelite spies. She too went from being an enemy to an ally by her actions, just like Lex Luthor’s girlfriend.
To me, it raises the well worn question of faith vs. works. Anyone who has been through our Discipleship 101 course is very familiar with this debate.
Are we justified through our faith alone, or are works also required?
James was very vocal about “faith without works is dead,” and even went on to say that “even the demons believe.” So when we see someone like Rahab acting against convention and for God’s kingdom, can we assume that her actions are a side effect of her faith? I think so. I can see no other plausible motivation for her doing what she did.
Thought for the day: Who else have you seen acting against convention? Is it possible that their actions were God-inspired and a manifestation of their faith?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.