Hebrews 11:31, New King James Version

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.”

What does apostle Paul mean when he writes about the faith of Rahab? Let’s find the answer by reading Rahab’s own words:

“I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.” (Joshua 2:9-13, NIV)

She knew and she heard what the Lord had done, and yet though she did not see it or experience it, she believed. The Israelites were rescued from Egypt and walked through the wilderness. They witnessed this with their own eyes and were personally involved in the miracle of the Lord God almighty. They passed through the Red Sea, tasted the manna, drank the water from the rock… and their hearts were still hardened and they were stiff necked. Their stubbornness was the same as the rest of the people who lived in Jericho who all refused to bow.

“Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’” (John 20:29, NLT)

Do you have faith like Rahab? Have you been blessed like the one Jesus mentioned? If you are a believer, you are no longer a gentile but the same as the Israelites, God’s people. If you are an unbeliever, you can become like Rahab, believe with faith.

“Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, BSB) It’s not about if you are a Christian or not yet. It’s about the faith and confidence you have in the gospel of Christ. Instead of rebelling (rejecting the truth or refusing to follow the truth), chose to listen and obey.

“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14, NLT)

How about starting with this Word of God, open your heart and surrender your pride and lay down your fear: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17, NIV)