Joshua chapter 2 tells the remarkable story of Rahab, a woman living in Jericho at a time when God was preparing Israel to enter the Promised Land. Rahab was not an Israelite. She was not raised in God’s covenant. She was also known as a prostitute, someone society would consider unworthy or disqualified. In today’s world, many people carry labels: Divorced, Dropout, Addict, Ex-convict, Single Mother etc. Just like Rehab, these people might feel defined by their past. ut God does not see people the way society sees them. First Samuel chapter 16 verse 7 says: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 

In God’s plan, Rahab became one of the most important women in biblical history. Her story reveals that God specializes in redemption. He takes people from broken backgrounds and weaves them into His divine purpose. Rahab’s story reminds us that no one is too broken for God to use. 

Rahab had never seen the Red Sea part. She had never witnessed manna fall. Yet she believed in the God of Israel.

She said in Joshua chapter 2 verse 1: “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Her faith came from hearing testimonies of God’s power. In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 31, the Bible says: “By faith Rahab did not perish…”

By hiding the spies, Rahab risked her life. If she had been caught, she would have been executed. She chose God over her own safety. After she had helped the men escaped, the spies instructed Rahab to hang a scarlet cord from her window. This cord would mark her house for salvation.

When Jericho fell, every home was destroyed except Rahab’s. Rahab did not just survive. She was brought into Israel. She was accepted, restored, and given a new identity. God did not merely rescue her; He redefined her. The Bible says in second Corinthians chapter 5 verse 17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” In Christ, our past no longer defines us.

One of the most powerful truths about Rahab is found in Matthew chapter 1 verse 5. Rahab became the wife of Salmon and the mother of Boaz. Boaz later married Ruth, and their lineage led to King David, and ultimately to Jesus Christ. A former prostitute became part of the family line of the Savior. This shows the depth of God’s grace.

The saviour came through Rahab (a prostitute), Ruth (a foreigner), David (an adulterer), Tamar (a scandalized woman). God intentionally included broken people to show that salvation is for all. This Bible study teaches us that your past does not cancel God’s future. 

Many people feel unworthy of God’s love. Rahab’s life says: “Come anyway.” Jesus Himself said in Matthew chapter 9 verse 13: “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the story of Rahab, which reminds us of Your mercy and grace. Thank You that You do not judge us by our past, but by Your purpose for our lives.

We bring our brokenness, mistakes, and regrets before You. Wash us, restore us, and renew us. Help us to walk in faith and courage like Rahab.

Teach us to trust You fully, even when it is difficult. Thank You for including us in Your family through Jesus Christ. May our lives bring glory to Your name.

Rewrite our stories for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.