Thursday, February 28, 2013

Unlikely Aid

Joshua 2:1-24

Now that Joshua was in command, he had to get to work. Using what he had learned from Moses and past experience with the people of Israel, he devised a plan to execute God's commands. Knowing how rebellious and fearful his people could be, he chose not to repeat the same mistake that left only himself and Caleb alive from the original group freed from Egypt to enter the Promised Land.

Rather than gathering a large group of people in a public forum to conduct some much-needed reconnaissance, he quietly chose two spies to do the work. Just as Moses had done with the previous group, however, he told them exactly what he needed them to look for - namely, the situation around Jericho. So the spies did as they were instructed.

But, how, you might ask, could Joshua possibly expect two spies to do the same work that twelve were sent to do previously? We see how poorly it turned out that time. At the same time, though, that is probably exactly what Joshua had in mind. If only two came back with accurate reports when 12 were sent, he may as well just send two good spies to start with.

Still, it's the same land, just years later; obviously a change in tactics would be required. This was especially true since, in all those years that passed, God had given the Israelites some miraculous victories over some daunting enemies. So, now they had a reputation. They could no longer just wander through the strange land barely detected, and certainly not untouched. They had to work smarter, not harder; doing more with less.

And that is where the prostitute comes in. Huh? Well, it seems that during that time, when you needed to get information without giving up too much, a brothel was the place to go. In this case, it was the home of Rahab. (Isn't it amazing the people God will use to do his work?) This clearly was God's work because: 1. how else would they just know where to find a prostitute right away, 2. what are the odds that a prostitute will know and fear God, and 3. even if those things were commonplace, how likely is it that this God-fearing prostitute would just happen to live in a place that provided the perfect escape route for the spies?

But God knows how to make things happen. He put all those things in place and made it possible for the spies to get the information they needed - that the land was truly theirs and the current inhabitants were terrified of them - and escape safely back to Joshua to report it. Not only that, he rewarded Rahab for her service and faithfulness to him through her assistance to the spies. He promised protection for her and her family when the land was taken. So, a prostitute helped God's people and God helped a prostitute.

Thank you, Lord, for your flexibility and creativity. Thank you for your ability to use anyone or anything at anytime to do what you need done. Thank you, God, for allowing us to be a part of that plan. Even with all our flaws and shortcomings, you still find a place for us in your Kingdom. Help us to not take that for granted, but to look for ways to be willing vessels for you. Help us to always go when you call and do what is right, regardless of the situation or outlook. Your love is amazing, God. Help us to return that love to you in every way possible. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading! Your comments and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.