When God empowered the Israelites to an improbable victory at Jericho, one lady and her family were saved. But it was a very unlikely lady—Rahab. You see, Rahab was known primarily for one thing—her harlotry. In fact, the Bible calls her “Rahab, the prostitute.” Not a very flattering title. So Rahab was a prostitute, just the type of person you’d least expect to find celebrated by proud Jewish people. To top it off, she was a Gentile “sinner,” an outsider, a woman of ill repute, a disgrace! Yet like the other misfits that comprise the opening genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel, Rahab is mentioned as part of Jesus’ lineage. What’s more, when we visit Hebrews 11:31, her name is prominently displayed as a charter member of God’s Hall of Faith.

Join the Family

Rahab represents those who find themselves outside of God’s family, too sinful to be considered eligible for grace. “Rahabs” inhabit every community. They’re the people who carry around damaging labels that aren’t easily removed. Jesus offers these people the same radical grace Rahab received. Just as she was saved by the scarlet thread in her window, Jesus offers His blood as a pathway to a relationship with God. Outsiders are welcome. Everyone is welcome. No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Be careful not to label people in a way that God doesn’t. We’re all saved by grace.

Bottom Line

God doesn’t invite us into His family because of what we’ve done or not done but on the basis of His grace. Offer that kind of grace to others.

Stand Firm Day by Day: Let Nothing Move You (Nashville, TN: B&H Books, 2013).