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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Rahab is characterized in scripture as a harlot in Joshua 2:1, a graphic representation of the pagan society she lived in; someone we might be tempted to write off as hopelessly lost. Her culture was on the brink of destruction, their descent into the abyss of moral and spiritual corruption bringing God’s judgment on them as a people. (Deuteronomy 20:17) So what made the difference for Rahab? What happened to earn her a place in the Hall of Faith recorded in Hebrews 11:31 and her incorporation into Hebrew society so thoroughly that she became an ancestor to not only King David but Christ? (Matthew 1:5)
About to enter the Promised Land once again, Israel and her newly appointed leader – Joshua – once more sent spies to examine the countryside, especially Jericho; as it was situated at the confluence of two vital pathways through the surrounding mountains leading north and south in Canaan. Their first encounter with Rahab, from whom they acquired lodging, appeared to be a chance meeting with an insignificant woman. But it would be instrumental in the conquest of the land and lead to the salvation of Rahab as well. (Joshua 2:1-7)
How had Rahab been prepared for the message of Yahweh’s grace? Virtually every other man who darkened her door was there to use and abuse her; these men obviously were not – possibly winning a measure of curiosity and the beginnings of trust. She was evidently not frightened nor antagonistic toward them, presumably because they treated her with a certain amount of respect even as they denied the legitimacy of her lifestyle. Coupled with the rumors of their nation’s exploits, I wonder if these men shared some of their history and faith in the God of Israel as well? (Joshua 2:6)
Admitting to a beginner’s recognition of Yahweh and a weak faith in need of nurture, she still expressed a faith beyond many of “God’s own” by her actions; as at great personal risk Rahab hid the spies, misdirected the guards and helped them escape. (See also Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25) In doing so she entrusted her future and that of her family to Israel’s God and His people. (Joshua 2:8-14) It may not be a coincidence that the color of the cord used to identify Rahab’s house in the coming destruction was scarlet – the color of sacrifice – which saved her from God’s wrath. (Joshua 2:17,18)
Israel’s miraculous conquest of Jericho is familiar to most of us (Joshua 6:1-25) and a powerful demonstration of how spiritual triumph is attained (See Zechariah 4:6); while Rahab’s part in its unfolding is a compelling example of the transforming power of faith. Even though she had few spiritual advantages and little knowledge of the truth, her heart was drawn to God and he used that meager opening to redeem her life and save her soul. From that day forward she lived a completely different life among the redeemed of Israel, a living symbol of the transforming power of God’s grace; which ever-after became the primary message of her life.
Lydia, like Rahab, was an instrument of first contact as well; being Paul’s first European convert during his second missionary journey. With the doors providentially closed to Asia Minor (Acts 16:6-9), Paul received a vision of a Macedonian man calling out for help. Paul and his team responded by entering Europe for the first time and met Lydia, a Gentile God-fearer who met with Jewish women for prayer on the Sabbath by a river on the outskirts of town (Acts 16:14,15); the Jewish population of Philippi evidently not large enough to support a synagogue for formal worship and instruction.
Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira who evidently maintained a residence in Philippi. This in an age when it was difficult if not impossible for women to own and operate their own businesses except those that catered to men’s more carnal needs. Yet with an open heart and actively seeking mind, Lydia heard Paul’s enlargement on the Jewish teachings she was already familiar with and found the Gospel of Christ irresistible, embracing Jesus as her Lord and Savior, the rest of her household being baptized into Christ as well. (Acts 16:15) Her family dynamics are not described, but she appears to be unmarried – possibly a widow – as no mention is made of a spouse and all references to home are made in connection with Lydia alone.
She quickly persuaded Paul and his fellow missionaries to take advantage of her accommodations, her eager hospitality flowing from a grateful heart. Yet she was taking a real risk; the whispers about a single woman entertaining a group of men could create ill-will within the community, resulting in the loss of reputation, business – or even imprisonment – if things went poorly in Philippi as they had elsewhere. Her generosity none-the-less afforded a base for Paul to begin ministering from, opening a door into Europe for its evangelization. A short time later, Paul and Silas did indeed run afoul of some of the locals by “interfering” in the status quo, and were indeed imprisoned. (Acts 16:16-24) However, after their miraculous release and the subsequent conversion of their jailers, they once again met at Lydia’s house, encouraging those meeting there to remain firm in their faith as Paul prepared to move on. (Acts 16:25-40) Lydia’s hospitality becoming a trademark of her faith and an example of what the Gospel expects of all Christian believers. (See Romans 12:13 & Hebrews 13:2)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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