The time is always right to do the right thing ∙∙
The two spies returned to Joshua and told him what they had learned, “The LORD has given us the whole land, for all the people in the land are terrified of us.” – Joshua 2:24
Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab, the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Do you always believe what you hear or read on the Internet?
During 2012 and 2013, State Farm aired a memorable TV advertisement known as “The Internet and French Model.” In this commercial, a character named Mike is seen filing an insurance claim through the State Farm mobile app. His neighbor, passing by, expresses surprise, saying she didn’t think State Farm offered such technological conveniences. When Mike inquires where she got her information, she says, “The Internet.” To Mike’s astonishment, “And you believed that?” she naively responds, “Yes, because they can’t post anything on the Internet that isn’t true.” “Where did you hear that?” Mike asks, and they both answer in unison, “The Internet!”
The commercial humorously concludes with the neighbor introducing her date, whom she met online, claiming he is a “French model.” The man awkwardly greets Mike with a hesitant “Ah, Bonjour,” leaving viewers amused at the woman’s naïveté for believing everything she reads online.
It might be wise to embrace former President Ronald Reagan’s prudent advice: “Trust but Verify.”
Significant global events were widely known before the Internet era and 24/7 news. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, tales from Egypt were spreading far and wide. Narratives of how the God of Israel had humbled Egypt circulated, highlighting the decimation of much of the Egyptian army. The God of Israel had liberated the Jewish people from their enslavement by His mighty hand.
During this period, Egypt boasted the world’s most formidable military force, previously unbeaten in battle, thanks partly to its cutting-edge weapon – the chariot. Merchants and travelers shared and reshaped these astounding accounts for years. Consequently, prosperous and mighty cities like Jericho likely bolstered their defenses in anticipation of an invasion. Yet, the question lingered: Could anyone resist the might of the living God?
People were living in fear of the day that the armies of Israel would appear to take possession of “The Promised Land” that their God had sworn to give them. Even after 40 years, the people of Jericho remained apprehensive about what the Lord might eventually bring to pass.
Joshua 2:8-11
8 Before the spies slept that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them.
9 I know the LORD has given you this land, she told them. We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror.
10 For we have heard how the LORD made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt. . .
11 No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the LORD your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.
Rahab was no princess and far from being considered royalty. She was known more infamously in the scriptures as Rahab, the harlot. But she believed in Him when she heard the truth regarding the Lord God of Israel. Faced with a moral decision, Rahab chose to act on her newfound faith, courageously aiding the Israelite spies. Rahab dared to stand alone because she knew it was right. She understood the grave dangers involved in hiding them, misleading their pursuers, and facilitating their escape. She provided the first “Hiding Place,” becoming a precursor to figures like Corrie ten Boom’s family, who provided refuge during the Holocaust.
One’s past reputation does not hinder the transition from disbelief to faith or from moral depravity to taking a stand for righteousness.
The biblical narrative unfolds with Joshua sending two spies to scout Jericho. He directed them to go to Rahab’s house secretly. Despite their efforts at stealth, their presence at Rahab’s became known, prompting the king of Jericho to send out his stormtroopers to capture the Jewish spies. Rahab risked her life. In a bold move, Rahab concealed the spies and lied to the king’s men, thus ensuring their safe departure. In exchange for her bravery and protection, Rahab negotiated for her family’s safety upon Jericho’s fall. The spies consented to her terms (Joshua 2:12-23), a promise honored as the city fell (Joshua 6:17).
Hebrews 11:31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
The two spies returned to Joshua and told him what they had learned, “The LORD has given us the whole land, for all the people in the land are terrified of us” (Joshua 2:24).
REFLECT & PRAY
“It’s not always easy to do the right thing. But doing the right thing makes you strong, it builds character, it forces you to make decisions based upon your beliefs and not what other people think. In life and business, you have to stand for what you believe in and sometimes you have to stand alone. But what makes you a leader is having the courage of your convictions” (Queen Latifah).
Father my desire is to remain steadfast and compliant, even when it leads to risk and sacrifices. Strengthen my resolve to be courageous, daring, and faithful.
INSIGHT
But there’s more: the Father is always full of surprises.
After Rahab cleaned up her act and left her salacious life behind her, she became a part of the nation of Israel. She got married to a man named Salmon. They had a son named Boaz. Boaz was kind and generous and became a wealthy man. One day, he found a young Moabitess, a widow, working in his field. For Boaz, it was love at first sight. It turned out that her dead husband was a near kinsman. And Boaz had the right to become her Kinsman Redeemer. He had to pull a few strings but eventually married her.
Her name was Ruth. Ruth and Boaz had a son. Their son’s name was Obed. None of this would’ve been significant except for the fact that Obed also had a son, and his name was Jesse.
Now, the name Jesse may sound very familiar. For Jesse was the father of David. And the great, great, great, . . . great-grandson of David is the Lord Jesus Christ.
A small deed done in faith for the right reasons at the right time for the right people had consequences beyond anybody’s wildest imagination. At the time, only the Father knew in advance that Rahab would be the distant ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5-6,16).
Rahab defied Jericho’s traditions, cultural norms, religious practices, and laws. She acted independently, guided by her conscience and moral compass. She stood alone and did what was right. Had Rahab not made the courageous choice to follow her convictions, would she have had the opportunity to marry and subsequently enter into the genealogy of Jesus Christ?
“The time is always right to do the right thing” (Martin Luther King).
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 1-10-2
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 