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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
On the brink of entering 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 to the north and south of Canaan. Their first encounter with Rahab, from whom they acquired lodging, at first 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 rumor of their nation’s exploits, it is not too much of a stretch to believe these men may have shared some of their history and faith in the God of Israel. (Joshua 2:6)
At great personal risk Rahab hid the spies, misdirected the guards and helped them escape. (See also Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:25) Admitting to a beginner’s recognition of Yahweh and a weak faith in need of nurture, she expressed a meager knowledge of God’s involvement with Israel and an interest in knowing more. Her faith, as undeveloped as it was, bore immediate fruit in action. 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) 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 people of faith (Joshua 6:25); a living symbol of the transforming power of grace and faith, which became the primary message of her life.
Lydia, like Rahab, was an instrument of first contact as well; being Paul’s first European convert duing his second missionary journey. With the doors providentially closed to Asia Minor, 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 apparently a successful businesswoman; Acts 16:14,15 indicating she maintained a residence in Philippi while running her dye business from Thyatira. 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. Her newfound faith was immediately evident in action as she saw to it that not only she but her whole household was baptized into Christ. (Acts 16:15) Her “household” is not described, but she appears to be unmarried – possibly a widow – as she was apparently engaged in a business requiring extensive travel that would be impossible with a husband and younger children. No mention is made of a spouse and all references to house ownership are made in connection with Lydia alone. (Acts 16:15)
She quickly persuaded the 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 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. After establishing a church in Philippi, 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 became a trademark of her faith and an example of what the Gospel expects of all Christian believers. (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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