Hebrews 11:31 — Rahab.

READ THIS: Hebrews 11:31

31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

I feel like if you were assigned the task of writing down "heroes of the faith," you probably wouldn't end up including a prostitute in the list. But, fun fact, a prostitute is part of Jesus's family line, and her name is Rahab. Yes, this Rahab in the verses above!

Yesterday, we talked about Joshua 6 and that whole situation, and Rahab is mentioned both there and in Joshua 2. Rahab lives in the city of Jericho, and when Israelite spies come to scope out the city, she actually hides the spies from her own people and protects them, saying: 

"I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt...When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you."

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Why did Rahab welcome the spies? What part of her welcoming them was due to faith? (Look at what she says to the spies!!!)
 
2. Rahab was a Gentile and a Canaanite. So, basically, she wasn't a Jew and she was from a people that the Jews hated. What is the significance of her being included in the Hall of Faith and in Jesus' lineage?

TRY THIS:

Think about one person you just can't stand. Now imagine that they were part of Jesus's lineage. How does that change the way you think about them? 

Guess what?! Everyone is part of Jesus's family, so try today to see EVERYONE that way!

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
Rahab is the end of the hall of faith, and we will be talking more about how this song relates, but for now imagine all the people we've learned about as the "heroes of the faith" as you listen to this song. (Youtube link here). 





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