Monday, August 18, 2008

Rahab - Brick House

Joshua 2:14-15 "Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.

Before the Geneva Convention, before the Hague laws - rules of war were established right here in the Bible. You rat us out and get us killed - you will be killed. You help us out and stay true to your word, we will protect you.

Rahab agreed. Now it tells us she let them down by a rope through the window. Because as you remember, the gate was closed and locked up. Rahab's house was a part of the city wall - so by letting them out her window - she was actually letting them out of the city.

Now here's one of those verses that make you stop and think for a moment. This is sort of like reading ahead to see what happens at the end of the book, but we all know in Joshua Chapter 6 they march around the city for seven days and the wall came down. All of the wall - EXCEPT Rahab's house. Did you get that? Rahab's house was part of the city wall - and her house stayed intact.

Can you imagine if the king of Jericho had the chance to see that? All of a sudden, these trumpets start sounding and people start yelling and the whole city caves
except Rahab's house - hmmmmmmm.

Isn't it great to be able to fully trust that God will take care of it - no matter how far-fetched? Also, that we don't always need to know beforehand how God will handle it. If those men had known and told Rahab - 'okay, we're gonna march and yell and the city will fall.' Rahab could've said, 'but my house is part of the city, maybe we should meet at my father's house, or let me show you where my friend lives, maybe that would be a better place'. Sometimes God doesn't let us in on His plan because He knows we are going to try and mess it up - all in our attempts to help Him out. Hint: He doesn't need our help. So be strong and know that He has it all in control and even when everything else is crumbling down around you, He is protecting you.

1 comment:

Tea with Tiffany said...

This is a comforting post for me. As one who wants to know what's next, this example reminds me to rest in God's protection.

Thank you!