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? (James 2:25)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 6:1-4, 19-21; James 2:14-26
I read a story about a girl who had good reason for running away from home. Although she was not completely innocent, I understand why she ran from her abusive father! She hid in an abandoned church knowing her life would be in danger if her father found her. Hiding was the only way to protect her life.
In this excerpt from James, Rahab’s faith led her to secret rebellion. The spies’ lives hung in the balance. But Rahab believed deep down that her only hope was trusting in the God of Israel. So, she bargained with the spies. In return for assisting them, Rahab was promised protection for her and her family.
Rahab’s act of betrayal against the Canaanite’s god testified to her faith in Israel's God. She did not do what she did to boast, but rather from conviction. Rahab willingly laid her future and that of her family on the altar of sacrifice. She courageously trusted Israel's God, which demonstrated her faith in action.
Follow Rahab’s example of putting faith into action.
Iona Halliday-Simmonds is a wife, mother, and member of The Wesleyan Church who finds great pleasure in serving in community outreach and youth and family ministries.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
