Take Two: Joshua 2, Proverbs 25

Joshua 2 is a difficult chapter for some to swallow. Some read it and try to allegorize the story because they cannot get their hands around how God could honor a woman (Rahab) who conspired with God's people to lie in order to protect herself and her family. I don't have these same issues. Remember, Joshua is a historical book. The story shows us God's mercy and God's faithfulness...not a 10 step process to overthrowing a city "God style". God does not approve of lying...but nowhere do we read that God directed this woman to lie. Another reason I can handle the Rahab story without becoming too self-righteous...is I recall how God has been merciful to me...and even continues to do good things through my service to him...even though I am at least as messed up as Rahab.

In vv.1-7 we see that two spies were sent to Jericho. (Not sure why only 2 and not 12). When they go to Jericho, they end up in a brothel (a prostitute's house.) I am sure that this was intentional. I imagine that Rahab's neighbors were accustomed to seeing strangers come and go...and had become a bit insensitive to them. Somebody saw them though. When the king's men got there, she lied about the Israelites and sent the king's men in the opposite direction. This was a negotiated response.

In vv.8-14 we see that Rahab had negotiated with the spies to hide them in exchange for her life. No honor there. She did not ask for her city to be spared. She did not try to protect her neighbors. She simply asked for mercy toward her and her family in exchange for not blowing the whistle. She told the spies that the stories of Israel's situation had been made known. Apparently...what God was doing with His people had been in the news for years. She mentions the Red Sea (v.10) which had occurred 40 years before. Had her people been simply waiting for God to get 'em for 40 years?

In vv.15-24, the spies promise to spare Rahab...if she would place the red cloth out the window and leave it there. She was to gather her family to her house and stay there. She was to keep her promise and wait for Israel to conquer the city. You know...her doing this based on a 40 year legend and a visit by two guys who had to be hidden under some stalks of flax on the roof...really required some faith on her part. So Rahab, believing in the coming Day, acted accordingly. She hid the spies, then helped them escape without notice. I bet they weren't even out of sight before she hung a big scarlet sash out the window. I even bet she checked on her testimony (sash) daily to make sure it was still in tact...She wanted God (God's people) to know where her allegience was when the Day came.

Proverbs 25:21-22 is the takeaway today: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you."

How do you respond to your enemy. As grandma used to say, "Kill them with kindness." Isn't it hard to be angry with someone who is blessing you even though you are blessing them out? Same for them. When people come against you...want to malign you, respond in kindness. Doing so leaves room for the Lord to work in their lives. (Remember Romans 12:14-21?) You will go from the object of their attack to the instrument of God's redemption. And, God will reward you...because you responded to His instruction and not out of some sense of self-preservation or self-interest. That, friends, is Kingdom living.

Grace,