We’re taking a short break from our series in Proverbs and will return in a couple of weeks.
Today’s scripture: Joshua 2:1-6; 6:15-17 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Christen Peters):
The passages in question really highlight for me that God has a purpose and, indeed, a need for all of us. We all have gifts — and a place for those gifts to be used.
Here we have the story of a woman who helps the Israelites defeat Jericho simply by hiding spies sent in by Joshua. Jericho at the time is a city of great wealth and strength. More than likely, the average person of the time would have bet a month’s wages on Jericho winning the battle.
Rahab, though, is not just any woman. To outward appearances, she is a prostitute… or harlot… or ‘innkeeper’ (perhaps along the lines of Dolly Parton and a certain little abode in Texas).
More importantly, though, Rahab is a prophet — she has been given the gift of prophecy. She sees the events unfolding, recognizes that God’s will is for the Israelites to triumph over Jericho, and acts in faith that there is only one God and that God’s way is the right way. As a result, her entire family of non-Israelites is saved by God. She goes on to marry an Israelite and become an ancestor of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
When you look in the mirror and wonder how God could possibly have endowed you with any gifts, think of Rahab. When you wander into the recesses of your mind and doubt your effect on the world around you, think of Rahab. When you can’t possibly believe that a perfectly imperfect human like you can play a part in the will of God, think of Rahab.
Thought for the day: God made you. God knows you. God loves you. And God needs your work within this human existence. Believe that you are important in the grand scheme. God certainly thinks so!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.