Rahab the Prostitute – almost all references in the Bible refer to her in this way – almost all except one.

“And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse,” Matthew 1:5

Here, simply called Rahab. Demonstrating her faith in God, Rahab the prostitute became a useable instrument for God, bringing her into the lineage of Jesus.

For years, the rumors circulating about the children of Israel had reached the town of Jericho. Escaping from Egyptian slavery, God led His people through the Red Sea on dry land. Though King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan both came out to fight against the children of Israel, under the hand of God, the Amorites were completely destroyed. There was power upholding the children of Israel, and that power was God.

Fear arose among the people, fear that led the king of Jericho to prepare for military resistance. The town’s people were on edge, waiting for attack to be initiated against Israel. The moment came. Discovering two Israelite spies stayed the night at Rahab’s place, the king quickly sent for the spies. Jericho would finally get the upper hand on the Israelites, something no one else could do. However, Rahab the harlot had other plans.

Rahab, too, had heard of the power of Israel’s God through the many stories, but her fear led her to faith and hope in Israel’s God. She understood Him to be the Sovereign Lord over heaven and earth. Her faith in God led to action. When questioned about the spies, Rahab lied about their whereabouts, encouraging the king’s men to chase after the spies beyond the city gates. After establishing a covenant with the spies, she let them down through her window by a rope, making sure they knew the way to safety. With the fall of Jericho, a scarlet cord in the very same window saved the lives of herself and her family. Her choice to follow God in faith led her to a life of abundant blessing and eternal life with God.

“You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:25

Rahab displayed spiritual courage inspired by her faith, justifying her in the sight of God. Her story is a powerful testimony of divine grace.

While most of our lives have not taken a path like Rahab’s, we live the life we have in Christ by His grace alone through our faith in Him. God is in the business of using the most unlikely people to demonstrate His magnificent mercy and grace. We are all unlikely people, however God desires to use His children to fulfill His purposes. He uses those who are willing to courageously step forward and put action behind the faith they have in Him. When we are willing to demonstrate our faith in God, we become a useable instrument for Him. Through our faith in action, others may respond in their own faith in the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth.

How does your faith inspire you? Does your life demonstrate your faith in God? Regardless of whether your acts are big or small, your faith is demonstrated by what you do to help others see Him. Your life, like Rahab’s, is also a testimony of divine grace. Let your faith inspire you to do courageous things for God.