There are certain types of characters, individuals or professions that make the average person feel uneasy. Appearance, dress and modesty or lack there of sends a message. Yet, some read more into this, judging someone’s character without ever meeting. In the Old Testament, those who lived near the city gates symbolized wealth. Thus, if you visited Jericho, you would find a brothel run by Rahab, a well-known harlot who made a living by entertaining those looking for a good time.
Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there, Joshua 2:1.
Despite her reputation and past, the Lord choose to use a prostitute to accomplish his will. Beside putting grace on the map, this story in history sends an important message to those who feel unworthy. Regardless of what you have done, God extends his mercy to those who are open to being a vessel of the kingdom. In fact, this one act did not go unnoticed. Rather, this woman of the night eventually becomes part of the lineage of Jesus and enters the Hall of faith in Hebrews 11.
Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, Matthew 1:5.
So what is a whore doing in the family tree of Jesus? Well, we may never know the answer for sure. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate on why. According to the author of Hebrews, God is the builder of all things. Thus, if sin reveals the fallen nature of mankind, forgiveness by a Savior who died on a cross to atone for our mistakes brings new life. Therefore, the next time you hear Satan whisper, “God will never use you.” Remind the devil of the Creator of life who put grace on the map.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 