HIS VOICE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
MONDAY, 22ND JANUARY 2024
TOPIC: FAITH REQUIRES RESPONSE – RAHAB'S LIFE
TEXT: JAMES 2:25
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? KJV
Apostle James mentioned a very controversial story of Rahab the harlot. The one who kept the spies, that went to survey the land of Jericho under the leadership of Joshua. Her responses and conversation with the spies revealed that she already had faith in the God of Israel. Thus, when they stumbled at her house which was fast beside the gate to the entrance of the city, she was willing to receive them. She kept them from the messengers of the King, who wanted them dead and gave them instructions on how they would get back to their company in peace. Let's read her declaration and testament of faith.
"and she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed." Joshua 2:9-10 KJV
"And as soon as we had heard these things , our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." Joshua 2:11 KJV
She already surrendered to the Lordship of the God of Israel through her declaration, saying he is the God in heaven above and earth beneath. If she has stopped here, then her declaration would have been a mere statement. But she went further and said;
Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD , since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: and that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. Joshua 2:12-13 KJV
She tied her belief (faith) with her action of kindness towards the two spies. She responded appropriately through her faith towards the spies by saving their lives and in turn asked that her faith in the God of Israel save her, by ensuring that they return her kindness to her. They did, while Jericho was destroyed, Rahab and her household was spared. This also point out the truth that your ability to respond appropriately in accordance to your faith might be the ark of salvation for your entire family and throughout your generation. You don't want to take this for granted.
PRAYER
Thank you Father because there is no one who swear to your name and end up in shame. You are worthy to be honoured, therefore I commit my soul into your hands, help me to act in accordance to my faith in your name by the power of your grace in Jesus' name. Amen
Written by: Mopelola Oyeniran
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