No Respecter of Persons

August 7

Rahab is an unlikely candidate to be the heroine of a Bible story. Rahab is an unlikely candidate to be an ancestress of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). But, she is both. Rahab was a harlot. God is no respecter of persons.

When the Israelite spies were sent to check out the city of Jericho, they would have been caught at their task except for the intervention of Rahab who hid them in order that they might successfully complete their mission. When they left Jericho, they assured her that when they returned to conquer the city, she and her family would be spared.

Hebrews 11:31 reiterates the story and affirms, “Rahab, the harlot received the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.” God has always placed a premium on obedience. If we are caught between a rock and a hard place in our lives, we, like Rahab, must err on the side of obedience to God’s will.

The reputation of the Israelites had preceded them. Rahab knew that they had conquered many of the occupants of the land and were adding victory after victory to their renown. She recognized that she would be advantaged by being part of God’s team. We should recognize that also and align ourselves with Him.