Repenting Faith: Rahab Hall of Faith

   “Repentance means you change your mind so deeply that it changes you” (Bruce Wilkinson).

   Not too many women are mentioned in the Bible, let alone in the Hall of Faith. However, one woman who is mentioned is Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute. Why would a prostitute be in the Hall of Faith? One only has to look at her story to find out.

   The Israelites had just come to the area of the Promised Land. Now they just had to win the area. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, was a smart tactician. He sent spies into Jericho in order to scope out the area. While the spies were in Jericho they had to find a place to hide. They entered into the house of Rahab. Now, Rahab was told by the King of Jericho to give the spies to him. Rahab could have given over the spies. In fact, she should have. She had no ties to these men and if she would have given the men over she may have been rewarded.

   Instead, Rahab said the men had come to her but they left the city. She then told them that they may be able to catch the spies if they hurry. The men left and Rahab went up to the roof where she had hidden the men. Rahab said she knew that the Lord had given this land to the Israelites. She had heard all the wonders that their God had done and wanted to join them. The spies agreed that she could come with them after they defeated Jericho.

   Rahab seems like an unlikely candidate for the Hall of Faith. However, in Rahab we see the epitome of repentance. She made her living doing something that most men and women despise. She decided that she no longer wanted to live that life. Rahab saw what God had done for the Israelites so she decided to turn away from her past life. She would no longer have money coming in and she would have to leave her home. But, she would gain a life with God. That is why Rahab is in the Hall of Faith. She gave up everything to follow him.

   What about you? Would you be willing to give up your old ways for God? Would you give up everything to follow him?

   Joshua 2, Acts 3:19, 2 Peter 3:9

   Image from here.