A Transformed Life

A Transformed Life

Rahab

Read: Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31

Rahab’s step of faith did more than save her life—it transformed it. After the former spies moved Rahab to a safe place near their camp, she seems to fall out of the picture—until we reach the New Testament and discover that she played a key role in Israel’s history. Even before Jericho’s destruction, Rahab believed in the power of Israel’s God. As she lived among the Israelites and learned more about their God, she also experienced his forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

This former prostitute’s shameful past disappeared just as surely as the city of Jericho went up in smoke. She dedicated herself to living in a way that would please God. As she became a godly woman, eventually a prince from the tribe of Judah chose her to be his wife. Rahab and Salmon became the great-great-grandparents of King David. Their names are included in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus Christ. Any memories of her old life as a prostitute in a pagan city must have renewed Rahab’s wonder and gratitude that God’s grace had given her a new life.

God also honored Rahab by including her as one of two women mentioned by name in the Hebrews chapter that lists some heroes of the faith. He wants each of us to become a faith hero. Part of this process involves giving up things, which can be painful. Leaving a life of crime or blatant immorality to follow Christ is a no-brainer, but sometimes God calls us to abandon habits that seem harmless or activities that are good in themselves. The things that we balk at relinquishing are the things that keep us from experiencing the transformed life that God desires for us. Before we fully become what he wants us to be, we may have to watch some things go up in smoke, as Rahab did.

Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

1 Corinthians 6:11