A few years ago I preached a sermon on Rahab the harlot. She is one of my favorite characters in God's word because of her story. She is listed as a hero of faith in Hebrews, and justly so. We are introduced to Rahab the harlot in Joshua 2. Most of us are familiar with the story of Rahab hiding the spies sent by Joshua to spy out the land (Joshua 2:1). Rahab made some interesting comments in her discussion with the spies when she went up to the roof before they lay down (Joshua 2:8).

She told them, "I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is the God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath" (Joshua 2:9-11)

Rahab and her fellow citizens in the city of Jericho were Gentiles, yet they knew about God and what He had done for His people, Israel (Exodus 14:21; Numbers 21:24,34,35) because of what God had said to Pharaoh through Moses, "And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth" (Exodus 9:16).

What made Rahab different from the other people of Canaan? She became convinced by the evidence that the God of the Israelites was indeed the God of heaven and earth (Joshua 2:11). However, it's not enough just to know and understand the evidence; one must have a heart that is willing to submit to that evidence (Matthew 7:21; Romans 6:17; Hebrews 5:9). Jesus said, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself' (John 7:17). The leaders of Judaism, in Jesus' day, were unwilling to believe in Him because they did not have submissive hearts (Matthew 15:1-9; Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:3 1). In contrast, not only was Rahab willing to believe the evidence - she had a submissive heart as well.

I find her story amazing and uplifting because in the midst of her people's destruction she displayed such faith. It is perhaps most difficult to completely trust and obey God when times are tough. This is why I draw so much encouragement from Rahab. Let us be people with willing, submissive hearts, submitting to God's word. The writer of Hebrews tells us, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Eric