Rahab lived in an evil culture surrounded by evil nations. You and I can only imagine what she suffered in her lifetime up to this point. After repeatedly surrendering her body to the lusts of faceless, nameless men, how many times might she have laid alone in bed at night, wondering if there was anyone who truly loved her? Or if there was a god who cared about her? A god who didnât demand the slaughter of children or endless gifts or prayers that would never be answered?
How many times might she have been tempted to become bitter, become callous, or spiral into despair?Â
We do not know the answers to these questions, but one thing we do know: there was a pointâperhaps one night as she looked out her window into the night skyâwhen Rahab found herself drawn to a God she had heard about but had never seen; to the invisible One who created the stars, rules raging seas, and silences evil kings; to the God who frees His people from slavery and fights their battles; to the God who created heaven and Earth; and perhaps, just maybe, a God who even cared to notice a lone prostitute gazing up at the stars, longing to be known.
âAnd [the Lord] brought [Abraham] outside and said, âLook toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them. . . . So shall your offspring be.ââ âGenesis 15:5
The God of the Israelites was nothing like the gods with whom Rahab grew up: gods carved out of wood and stone, imposing but impotent, having faces that did not smile and mouths that did not speak. Because of these, her people had thrown their children in the fire, consulted with mediums and sorcerers, and committed all kinds of degrading sexual acts in the hopes of appeasing these so-called âgods.â Apparently, the God whose name is Yahweh was not like anything Rahab had ever known.
Reflect on the country in which you are currently living. Would you describe your countryâs condition as the same, better, or worse as compared to the land of Canaan at the time God sent in the Israelites? Explain.
Whatever country you are currently living in, what aspects of your culture do you think God would find offensive today?Â
Consider the moral condition of our world today. If you were standing in Godâs place, how might you be tempted to respond?
This excerpt is from Week 3 of RAHAB: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me. Order your copy today!
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of Godâs Word. She holds a masterâs in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is the author of several books and Bible studies, including HAGAR, LEGION, Worthy of Love, and her latest release, RAHAB: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me!Â
Got my Rahab books last week and canât wait to dive in with some friends (as soon as Iâm done my Nehemiah study!!)
So encouraging to be reminded that God was working for Rahabâs good, even in such unthinkable evil and darkness. He saw her, when she couldnât see Him! Thankful for that same promise to me – He is still in full control despite the present sin and wickedness in our world today.
Amen, Sue! He is faithful to His promises- no matter what. I pray this new study on Rahab blesses you!
I received my book not too long ago , itâs beautiful. I really enjoyed this Study . Iâve heard the story many of time growing up but this study made me sit back and really look at the whole pic.
Iâm delighted youâre enjoying the study!