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HOW TO LISTEN TO A SHADY LADY'S STORY

We need to get a fresh perspective on who our God is. There are three attributes of God that shine out of this story.

1. God's sovereignty

Notice what Rahab has to say about God. Word about God had reached Jericho before they got there. They knew what had happened to Egypt.

His might - Rahab realised their God was a mighty God. He can control the sea and defeat kings. This God is greater than the walls of Jericho. Do we have this view of God?!
His majesty (vs 11) - She is worshipping God as God in her life. This God rules in Heaven and Earth.
His mercy - She asks the mighty and majestic God to show mercy on her for recognising Him. God will not destroy those who show faith, along with the wall.

2. God's faithfulness

God is at work in situations before you get there. The spies only discovered when they got to Jericho that the people were in fear of the God of the Israelites. Rahab already knows that the city is going to fall! The spies can report back to Joshua that the city is in fear of them before they even cross the river! This will have encouraged the Israelites.

3. God's grace

Why is this story included in the book of Joshua? We can see the grace of God in the life of a shady lady. She was God's woman in the city. God brings a Canaanite woman into the nation of Israel. She is mentioned in Hebrews 11 for her great faith. She is in the genealogy of Jesus. See Matthew 1:5. What grace from God! You may feel unclean and unloved. The grace of God lifts you and gives you hope.