FAITH and PROSTITUTE?

An Oxymoron is when two contradictory words are put together.  Words like “bitter sweet” or “deafening silence” or “irregular pattern” are examples of an oxymoron.  As I was reading Hebrews today I came across a phrase that on the surface seemed contradictory “By faith Rahab the prostitute...”  Those words just do not seem to go together.  How in the world does Rahab end up in  Hebrews 11 - the chapter describing the heroes of the Faith in the Bible? Let’s take a look.

Hebrews 11:31(HCS)  By faith Rahab the prostitute received the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.

After 40 yrs. wandering around in the wilderness because of rebellion and a lack of FAITH the nation of Israel finally arrived across the Jordan river from the city of Jericho.  In order to enter the Land God had Promised them they would have to deal with Jericho. So Joshua sent two spies into Jericho. When the King and his soldiers start looking for them the two spies sought help from Rahab the Prostitute.  Why?  It is possible that they thought that for the right price she might help them.  What they were not aware of was that this prostitute had heard about the God of Israel.  She had longed to hear more about this God who acted so powerfully on behalf of His people.  Before she helped the spies get away safely she said to them: “...the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11)  That is an amazing statement for a woman who had NEVER heard God’s Word.  She was a Prostitute who believed the stories she had heard about the God of Israel and decided that the God of Israel MUST be the TRUE God.  So she turned to Him in Faith and was rewarded for seeking after Him.  

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Rahab the prostitute whose FAITH caused her to SEEK out God - eventually becomes one of King David’s ancestors and is mentioned in the genealogy of the Messiah Jesus. The words Faith and Prostitute do not normally go together - but in this case it shows us the wonder of God’s Amazing Love and Grace.      

 
PRAYER: Lord God, thank You that You are a God who can put FAITH and PROSTITUTE together in one phrase giving a vivid picture for all the world to see of the Wonders of Your Grace.  Thank YOU for Your forgiveness Thank YOU for Your Grace to me.