Sermon Audio: LINK

Series Introduction: 

This morning, we are beginning our new sermon series, “Life in the Promised Land,” where we will explore Israel’s transition from the wilderness into the land God promised them, uncovering lessons about faith, trust, and God’s faithfulness. Today, we start with Joshua 2:1-24, focusing on Rahab, a woman whose courageous faith and decision to protect the Israelite spies forever changed her life and legacy. Her story challenges us to consider the risks we are willing to take for our faith and to embrace the transformative power of God’s grace as we step into the promises He has for us.

Scripture Reading: 

Joshua 2:1-24, ESV –  And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” But she had brought them up to the roof and hid them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. So the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan as far as the fords. And the gate was shut as soon as the pursuers had gone out.

Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”

Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall. And she said to them, “Go into the hills, or the pursuers will encounter you, and hide there three days until the pursuers have returned. Then afterward you may go your way.” The men said to her, “We will be guiltless with respect to this oath of yours that you have made us swear. Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household. Then if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be guiltless. But if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head. But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless with respect to your oath that you have made us swear.” And she said, “According to your words, so be it.” Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

They departed and went into the hills and remained there three days until the pursuers returned, and the pursuers searched all along the way and found nothing. Then the two men returned. They came down from the hills and passed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and they told him all that had happened to them. And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we gather in Your presence today with hearts full of gratitude and awe for Your unwavering love and grace. As we delve into Rahab’s story, we ask Your Spirit to open our minds and soften our hearts to the truths You wish to impart. Guide our thoughts during this sermon so that they may honor You and draw us closer to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Rahab Protects The Spies:

Under Joshua’s leadership, the Israelites found themselves encamped on the plains of Moab. They stood ready to cross the Jordan River into the land the Lord had sworn to their forefathers. Before this momentous crossing, however, Joshua, in his wisdom, sent two spies on a perilous mission to Jericho, the formidable fortress guarding the entrance to the Promised Land. These brave men entered the city and sought refuge in an unexpected place, the house of Rahab, a prostitute.

Pause for a moment and consider the significance of this encounter. In Rahab, a woman whose lifestyle was steeped in sin, we witness the first glimmer of something wondrous, a spark of faith igniting in the most unlikely of hearts. When the king of Jericho learned of the spies’ presence and demanded their surrender, Rahab faced a life-altering decision. Would she fulfill her duty to her earthly king by betraying the spies? Or would she dare to risk everything (her safety, her life, her very future) to protect these men?

Rahab chose the path of courage and faith. She concealed the spies beneath stalks of flax on her rooftop and sent the king’s men on a wild goose chase. This was no trivial act; by doing so, Rahab committed treason against her king and her people. What compelled her to make such a daring choice?

Rahab’s actions revealed a heart beginning to turn toward God. She had heard of the mighty deeds of the Lord and chose to align herself with His people, even at tremendous personal cost. This marked the beginning of her conversion, a turning point from her former life. She was forsaking her past 9her life of sin and her allegiance to a wicked city) and embracing a new identity as one of God’s chosen people. Rahab was willing to risk everything (her security, her place in Jericho) to align herself with the God of Israel. 

By protecting the spies, Rahab boldly declared faith in the God of Israel. She was, in essence, saying, “I believe in your God. I have heard of His mighty works, and I choose to stand with Him, no matter the cost.” This was not merely an act of defiance against her earthly king but a statement of allegiance to the King of kings.

Rahab was willing to give up everything she had known, her home, her security, and even her loyalty to her own people, to gain something infinitely more valuable: a relationship with the living God. In her heart, Rahab recognized that all Jericho could offer was as dust compared to the richness of knowing and being known by the God of Israel. This realization led her to risk all to align herself with God’s purposes, even when it meant turning away from her past and embracing an uncertain future.

Her faith is a powerful example of the commitment and sacrifice our Lord speaks of in Matthew 13:44-46. In these verses, our Savior compares the kingdom of heaven to a treasure hidden in a field, which, when a man finds it, he hides and goes and sells all that he has to buy that field. Likewise, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, upon finding one of great value, sells all that he has to purchase it.

Just as the man and the merchant in our Lord’s parables recognized the incomparable value of what they had found and were willing to forsake all else for it, Rahab, too, saw the incomparable worth of knowing God and being part of His people. She was willing to let go of her past, her identity, and her security in Jericho to gain something far more precious, eternal life and a place in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.

It might seem shocking to hear about such faith in a pagan prostitute. Why would a woman with such a sinful past take such a risk? As she declared to the spies, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you” (Joshua 2:9, ESV). Rahab is a perfect example of someone who has come to realize that she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

The New Testament holds Rahab’s faith in high esteem, pointing to her as a model of faith for us to follow:

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies” (Hebrews 11:31, ESV).

“And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:25, ESV).

Like Rahab, we are all living in a city on borrowed time. The things of this world will not stand forever. One day, there will be no Goochland, no Commonwealth of Virginia, and no United States of America. We are called to be good citizens and stewards with the time we have been given, but at the same time, we must realize that, like Jericho, one day, it will all come crumbling down, and where will we be standing when that day comes? Hopefully, we will be standing alongside our conquering heavenly king, whose kingdom alone knows no end. 

Matthew 1:5 even traces the lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and King, through Rahab. This sacred genealogy reveals that God’s redemptive plan encompasses even those whom society might scorn or reject, demonstrating the profound power of the gospel to seek and save the lost. Rahab, once a symbol of iniquity, became a beacon of faith, a faith that echoes through the corridors of history, culminating in the advent of the world’s Savior. As the Apostle Paul so eloquently declares in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (ESV). What a glorious testament to the grace that transforms the vilest of sinners into vessels of divine purpose!

Rahab’s Cry for Salvation:

In Joshua 2:12, we witness Rahab making a fervent plea to the spies: “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign.” This request springs from a heart deeply aware of the impending judgment looming over Jericho and a profound conviction that the God of Israel is indeed the true and living God. Just as Rahab approached these men with a desperate heart, fully conscious of her need for mercy, so must we come before the Lord, wholly aware of our dire need for His saving grace.

Rahab  recognized that her only hope was anchored in the God of Israel, and with boldness, she pleaded for salvation. This echoes the truth found in Romans 10:13: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rahab was unashamed to ask for what she knew she needed most, and in response, the spies assured her with these solemn words: “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you” (Joshua 2:14, ESV). This was the strongest assurance they could offer, a pledge of life for life.

Now consider how much greater is the assurance we have been given by our Lord Jesus Christ. The promise made to Rahab was serious, yet how much more secure is the promise made by the Savior of our souls? In John 10:28-29, our Lord proclaims, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” Our eternal security lies not in our own strength or efforts but in the unbreakable promise and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as Rahab found safety in the pledge of the spies, so we find our everlasting security in the sure promises of our Redeemer.

Yet, let us not overlook that Rahab’s faith was not idle; it was proven by her actions. In Joshua 2:15-16, we see how she actively contributed to the spies’ escape: “Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall so that she lived in the wall. And she said to them, ‘Go into the hills, or the pursuers will encounter you, and hide there three days until the pursuers have returned. Then afterward, you may go your way.'” Rahab’s faith was not merely professed but demonstrated, even at great personal risk.

Likewise, our faith in Christ must compell us to action. It is not enough to acknowledge Him with our lips; our lives must bear witness to our faith. Just as Rahab called upon the spies to deliver her and her family from certain destruction, so must we call upon the Lord Jesus to save us from eternal death. Acts 4:12 declares with divine authority, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Rahab’s story is a powerful reminder that no soul is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Her past did not define her; her faith did. And it is that very faith that God calls us to embrace today.

The Conditions of Salvation

In Joshua 2:17-21, we see the spies giving Rahab three solemn conditions that she must follow to secure her and her family’s salvation from the impending destruction of Jericho. These conditions carry deep spiritual significance and offer valuable lessons for our own walk with God today.

First, Rahab was instructed to take the scarlet cord, which had already served to lower the spies to safety, and tie it in her window as a sign. This scarlet cord would mark her house as a place of refuge, set apart from the devastation that would soon befall Jericho. Just as the blood on the doorposts spared the Israelites from the angel of death during the first Passover (Exodus 12:13), so this scarlet cord marked Rahab’s household for salvation. It was not the strength of Rahab’s house, nor any merit of her own, that secured her and her family’s safety, but rather, this sign of faith distinguished her from those destined for judgment.

Similarly, we must place our trust in the blood of Christ for our salvation. The scarlet cord in Rahab’s window foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus, whose precious blood was shed to redeem us from sin and eternal death. As 1 Peter 1:18-19 declares, “You were ransomed… with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” Just as the scarlet cord secured Rahab’s deliverance, so the blood of Christ marks us as His own, safeguarding our souls on the day of judgment. Rahab’s story serves as a poignant reminder that our only hope lies in the saving power of Christ’s blood.

Secondly, Rahab was commanded to gather her entire family into her house and ensure that none ventured outside, for if any did, their blood would be on their own heads. Just as Rahab’s family had to remain within the safety of that marked house, so too must we separate ourselves from the corruptions of this world and dwell within the protective boundaries of God’s righteousness. The apostle Paul exhorts us in 2 Corinthians 6:17, “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” Our commitment to God demands that we lead lives reflecting His holiness, renouncing sin, and walking steadfastly in His ways.

Rahab’s house became a sanctuary, a haven amidst the coming storm of judgment, illustrating that in Christ, we also find our refuge. As Proverbs 18:10 declares, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” While the people of Jericho placed their trust in their mighty walls, those walls crumbled under the hand of God. In contrast, Rahab placed her trust in the Lord, and her house, marked by the scarlet cord, stood firm. This narrative points us directly to the Gospel: our true security is not in the fleeting strengths of this world but in Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Him, we find a refuge that is eternal and unshakable.

Lastly, Rahab was required to maintain her loyalty to the spies and not betray them. Her faithfulness in this matter was crucial to the salvation of her and her family. This condition highlights the vital importance of perseverance in our faith. Rahab’s steadfast commitment to the spies reflects our need to remain unwavering in our allegiance to God. As we read in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Rahab did not waver in her belief that the Lord was the true God of heaven and earth, and so we, too, must hold firmly to our faith, even amid trials and opposition.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, Rahab’s story serves as a powerful reminder that no soul lies beyond the reach of God’s boundless grace. Though her past was marked by sin, she was intricately woven into the tapestry of God’s sovereign plan, teaching us that no history is too tainted for redemption. 

As we draw to a close, I urge you to examine the state of your own faith. Rahab’s faith was not a mere sentiment or a set of beliefs held in her mind; it was a living faith, proven by her words and deeds. Likewise, our faith must be evident in the way we live, serve, and love. If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus Christ, I implore you to do so without delay. His sacrifice offers you salvation, forgiveness, and a life transformed by His grace. Do not hesitate. Place your trust in Him, turn from your sins, and commit to following Him with your whole heart. In Christ alone, we find our ultimate sanctuary. He is the true and greater scarlet cord, securing our redemption.

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God, we thank You for the powerful lessons we have learned today from Rahab’s story. Her faith and courage in the face of danger remind us of the transformative power of Your grace and the call to repentance You extend to all. Help us to leave this place with a renewed commitment to live out our faith with boldness and integrity. May we, like Rahab, trust in Your promises and act on our belief in Your mighty power. As we go forth, empower us to be witnesses of Your love and salvation, bringing hope and light to those around us. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.