Read: Joshua 2

As Joshua began his task of leading the people into the Promised Land, he sent two spies to check out the city of Jericho. God led these spies to Rahab’s house. Somehow the king of Jericho heard about the spies and sent men to Rahab’s house to demand that she give the two spies over to the king. But Rahab had hidden the spies on the roof, so when the king’s men came knocking on her door, she had her answer ready: “Two men did come, but they have already left out the gate.” So the king’s men headed off looking for the spies.

Rahab went up to the men on her roof and told them that she believed that the Lord had given the city of Jericho to the Israelites and that all the people of Jericho were scared because of the Israelites and their God. She told how they had heard what the Lord did for his people at the Red Sea after they came out of Egypt. Rahab believed in the Lord. God worked in her life and gave her the gift of faith. God changed her hard heart and caused her to believe in him. God would one day send his Son, also for the sins of Rahab.

Rahab knew that her life and the life of her family was in danger. She knew that when Jericho was destroyed, she would be destroyed as well, and so she asked that her life be spared. The spies assured her that if she didn’t tell anyone about them, then she would not die when Jericho was destroyed.

Rahab then let the spies down through the window and advised them to hide for a few days.

After three days the spies returned to Joshua and told him everything that had happened. Hearing all this information about how the Lord worked faith in the heart of Rahab, and about how the people of Jericho were trembling with fear, would have reassured Joshua that the Lord would keep his promise to bring the people into the Promised Land.

Reflection with your child:

What did God work in Rahab’s heart?

Source: Sermon by Rev. R. Vermeulen