We just had our Ladies Day at our church and the theme was Mission: Possible! I was asked to speak at it, thus the name of this post. This account in the book of Joshua, chapters 2 &6, was the story of the sparing of Rahab, a harlot in Jericho. I pray it is a blessing to you, as it was to me studying for it! Soooo much is in this portion of scripture and I really learned a lot!
First, there were two Spies. These spies were sent out to view the Spoil, or the city of Jericho. They had already been promised by God that they would take the entire city, and everything therein. They were to take everything from the city, keeping the silver, gold, etc. for the House of The Lord. Then, they were to burn the city. (Joshua 6:2 &24.) Joshua is a type of the the Lord Jesus, his name meaning Jesus, or Saviour. Just as he sent out two spies into the worldly city, Jesus sends us out in twos as well. (Mark 6:7) We are to go out into the world with the Gospel, seeking out Jesus' precious jewels, or His Spoil. (Malachi 3:17).
Then, there was a Sinner. When these two spies entered the city, they came to a harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. It was NOT by chance that they entered her home. She lived upon the wall of Jericho (Josh. 2:15), and would have been on the outskirts of the city. It would have been one of the first homes they saw as they entered. I believe the spies chose her house because this should have been the LAST PLACE they should be according to Jewish LAW. They would have been considered unclean (Lev. 19:29.)The enemy knew their ways, so they wouldn't have expected them to be there. But, greater than this reason, it was by divine appointment. Rahab was the Sinner in need of Salvation. She had heard of the LORD (vs. 9-11), and all of the wonders and miracles He had worked for the children of Israel. No doubt this information came from the visitors that frequented her home, as there were no newspapers or internet in her day. When she HEARD this, her heart melted and she was afraid. (vs.11). She had a tender heart to what the Lord had done, and believed that He had given Israel their city as well. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17. She knew that when they attacked, she would be doomed with the city and would be the first one to go, living on the wall! She definitely knew and believed she was the sinner nearest Hell. The Lord knew this and is why He sent the spies to her home. This was Rahab's only shot of being saved, and she took it! How many times did the Lord present us with the chance to be saved, and we rejected it? Thank God for His Grace in that He have us more than one opportunity! But, where there is a Sinner, there is a Saviour! Rahab confessed her faith in the one true God, Jehovah, denoted by all capital letters in vs 9. Verse 11 is her profession of faith in Him-"..for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath."
Anytime there is a sinner saved, Satan is not happy. If he can't hinder their salvation, he will try to bring them harm, or remove them out of his way! So, in this case, there was a Snitch! Where there is a Snitch, there is a Secret. Chapter 2:2&3 says that somehow the King of Jericho found out about the spies. He knew they had entered the city to secretly search it out, despite their careful choice of a hiding place. Eccel. 10:20 says, "..for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hat wings shall tell the matter." This is where we get the phrase "a little birdie told me." In the Bible when a bird is mentioned, it is a type of Satan or his messenger, except for the dove. Satan will always have his messenger to try to foil God's plans.
Operation Scarlet Harlot started out with Spies to view the Spoil. They were sent to a Sinner in need of a Saviour. A Snitch told the Secret. Tomorrow we'll look at the Middle of the Mission! (Don't worry, this blog won't self-destruct before then! ;)
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