“A Faithful Harlot?”
[By Sonyia Turner]
We have been studying the idea of being a living sacrifice, and our first thought along those lines would not be that of a harlot. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” – Romans 12:2 (ESV). However, let us quickly examine this Rahab’s sacrifice. How can one described as a harlot be faithful, justified, and example of a living sacrifice?
When we read about Rahab in Joshua 2, we learn that she is a harlot with whom the two spies Joshua sent in to Jericho lodged (v1). It was known in the city that the spies had stopped at her house, and even the king of Jericho ordered her to surrender the spies that were staying there (v2-3). She must have had great fear, knowing that it could mean instant death for her and her family. However, Rahab did something unusual. She risked her life and that of her family, to hide the spies by covering their whereabouts and misguiding their pursuers (v4-5). While the spies were in her care, Rahab told them that news had spread everywhere about who they were and how their God, the LORD, brought them out of Egypt, destroying those in their path (v8). Furthermore, she says “…there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD, your GOD, he IS God in the heavens above and the earth beneath” (v11, ESV, emphasis added by Sonyia). Rahab recognized God, and his power. She was making her faith known to them. She believed in their God and his power, presence, and might. Others knew these facts, but did not act on that knowledge. No one offered to surrender themselves to the Israelites and their God. Only Rahab, a harlot, offered herself, and asked for mercy.
As the story continues, we read that by keeping her faith and waiting, Rahab saved herself and all who were with her. “But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute’s house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” So the young men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and mother and brothers and all who belonged to her. And they brought all her relatives and put them outside the camp of Israel.” (Joshua 6:22-23, ESV). Her father, mother, brothers and relatives, were brought outside the camp. No one survived except for them. Her faith was great! Her faith endured, and saved her family too.
Furthermore, because of her acting faith she was given a place of honor, and is named in the lineage of Jesus (Matt 1:5, the great-great-grandmother of David). She is also remembered in Hebrews 11:31 – “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (KJV). Her faith, was shown by her acts and for being friendly to the spies. James 2:25 says she was “justified by works” (ESV). A harlot. Friendly, faithful, justified by her works, and named in the lineage of Jesus. Incredible!
In his writings to the Corinthians, Paul says “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, ESV). Rahab’s lifestyle is certainly represented in this list. However, keep reading. “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (v11). Rahab was a harlot, guilty of sexual immorality, but her faith changed her. It changed her life and that of her family. They were pulled from the rubble of destruction to join the Israelite camp, and likely able to start over, and begin a new life. What about us? Are we willing to be pulled from the rubble of sin and destruction from this world’s desires? How many of us believe in God’s might and power, and are willing to act on it like Rahab? Willing to risk and sacrifice all that we know for salvation?