Many decisions that ought to be taken are not taken due to one of the following reasons:
1. we try to rationalize the situation assuming that our finite and limited human minds has infinite comprehension and abilities or
2. we think of the consequences of the decision and are paralyzed for fear of life or fear of being ridiculed.
In today’s text, taken from Joshua 2, we will look at Rahab, who chose to be kind to God’s people NO MATTER WHAT.
As a backdrop to this character, Rahab was a harlot in the wealthy and pagan city Jericho. Joshua, Moses’ successor and God’s appointed sends two spies to spy the land, even Jericho and they arrive at Rahab’s place. The king of Jericho is warned of the spies and he sends a message to Rahab, inquiring about the spies. Rahab, by faith, recognizing that these spies belonged to the Lord who is God of heaven and earth, welcomed them, hid them and helped them escape. She even misdirected the king’s men who came seeking after the spies. In response, she is given the promise to be spared when the Lord delivers the city of Jericho to Joshua and the Israelites. The consequences of Rahab’s action meant that her life could be in jeopardy from the king of Jericho or his men. Rahab nonetheless chose to risk her life from the immediate present danger recognizing that her kindness will be repaid life for life (Joshua 2:14). Rahab chose to be kind to the spies NO MATTER WHAT the consequences would be.
Rahab in short can be considered to be a harlot heroine, a hooker who had a heart for God. If Rahab had rationalized or thought of the consequences, she would have possibly cost two spies their lives while her life may have been spared temporarily only until the time when the walls of Jericho came tumbling down and the Lord had given the city to Joshua. Her act of kindness not only did it spare her life eventually, but that of all her family. What is more is that she earned an entry into the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:31), and is counted in the same echelon as the patriarch Abraham (James 2:21-25) and most importantly is one of the few women recorded in the genealogical account of the ultimate conquering King, Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Our acts of kindness on God’s people, undoubtedly will not go unnoticed, and whatever is done even unto the least of the brethren will be counted as done unto God, Jesus the King himself (Matthew 25:40).
Also it is interesting to note that Rahab chose to be kind to the spies, NO MATTER WHAT and in return God chose to be kind with Rahab, sparing her life, NO MATTER WHO she was.
Points to ponder:
- Who is God asking of you and me to be kind to today?
- Can we take the step to be kind unto one another, without rationalizing or thinking of the consequences, NO MATTER WHAT?
