Lessons Learned in Rahab's Sandals -- Love this story

How often do you stereo-type someone? I can tell you as being a young woman starting out in my field of insurance fraud investigations, I was stereotyped – A LOT. It used to grind on my nerves when some body shop owner would talk down to me, call me “honey, “ “sugar,” or “sweetie.” By the time I was through with them they had realized their mistake in underestimating me, and that I was definitely NOT their “honey,” “sugar,” or “sweetie.” I wonder if Rahab was underestimated because of her profession. People saw her and immediately say, “Rahab, the prostitute.” They didn’t see a wise, discerning woman. They didn’t see a woman of courage and faith. They focused on the negative.

Do you judge someone you see pan-handling? What do you think when you see someone whose arms are covered with tattoos? Do you make assumptions about the kid with pink hair? The body is a package that contains a soul, a soul that God created and loves. Did God want Rahab prostituting herself? No. Does God want us having sex outside of marriage? No—He literally spells it out in His Word. But as for us as humans, we should really get to know a person. Rahab was smart, wise, discerning. She was intuitive and took care of her own.

Here’s something else about Rahab. She and her family went on to live outside the camp of Israel. She stayed with the Israelites. She believed in Yahweh, and Yahweh blessed her. Rahab got married and settled down, and she had a baby, a baby boy that would grow up to be one of my most favorite men in the Bible. Rahab married Salmon and gave birth to Boaz. (Matthew 1:2). If you don’t know who Boaz is, he is the kinsman redeemer of Ruth in the book of Ruth. Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. She was one of Jesus’ great grands. And in Hebrews chapter 11 where it talks about heroes of the faith, Rahab is mentioned in verse 31. James 2 notes how Rahab took action in her faith.

Tears well up in my eyes as I think about Rahab. What a great story! Her life took so many twists and turns, but when she believed in Yahweh and acted in faith on her belief, the best twist, the best turn in her life was made. You might as well slip a glass slipper on her foot. From prostitute to great – grand of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. God can redeem you no matter where you are in life. God can take the mixed up, sick world you find yourself stuck in and make something beautiful from the ashes of your life. He can make something of value of your life. God is giving you the opportunity to act in faith and believe in Him. Confess to Him that He is Lord and ask Him to forgive you and save you. He is so faithful. Then as you grow in Christ, as you learn to follow Him and make the right choices, God will bless you. It won’t be easy, but it is so worth it.

There are many women and children in the sex industry around the world. If you’ve never walked in their shoes or sandals, if you’ve never gotten to know them, then you are not to judge. What you should be doing is praying for them and finding ways to get involved if this burdens your heart. A friend of mine volunteers in Thailand at RahabMinistries.com. This ministry is set up in the middle of the sex industry in this town in Thailand. They rescue women and teach them to make jewelry which is sold online. If you are in NW Louisiana, I recommend you contact Cassie at the HUB Urban Ministries at 318-200-0517 or serve@thehubministry.com. Cassie has a ministry called Purchased that ministers to women in the sex industry.