Rahab - A Journey from Despair to Grace

This episode shares the inspiring biblical story of Rahab, a woman transformed from a life of sin to a heroine of faith, whose courage, obedience, and trust in God brought salvation to her family and placed her in the lineage of Jesus. Through her example, we’re reminded that God’s grace can redeem anyone and that true faith is proven by bold, obedient action.

Transcript

Episode 31 

Rahab - A Journey from Despair to Grace

Scripture: Joshua 1:8-13, 17-19

 © Dani Banggo 08/08/2025

A warm Aloha to you from Maui, Hawaii! I trust that you are doing well today. Let me invite you to join me in this brief devotional reflection centered on faith, provision, and divine intervention. May this message inspire, uplift, and challenge you as you continue your faith journey. Before we start our devotion, let's say a prayer. Let us pray.

Gracious and loving God, our heavenly Father, I praise and magnify Your holy name once again. Thank You for granting this opportunity to share Your words on the air. I pray that You open the hearts and minds of everyone who hears Your message, convicting them of Your grace, which is offered through Jesus Christ, our Lord. I commit this prayer in His precious name, amen. 

Today's devotional is entitled “Rahab - A Journey from Despair to Grace,” drawn from the Old Testament scriptures found in Joshua 1:8-13, 17-19.

Today’s lesson brings us the inspiring story of Rahab, a woman who rose from a life of sin to become one of the most celebrated heroines of faith in the Bible. Despite her past as a prostitute—a profession that led her to be scorned, shunned, and marginalized—God’s boundless grace and mercy transformed her life. Through Rahab, the lineage of the Messiah was established. Her story is a testament to how God can redeem even the most unlikely individuals and use them to fulfill His greater purpose for humankind.

The story unfolds as the Israelites, led by Joshua, prepare to enter the promised land of Canaan. To better understand the territory and its inhabitants, Joshua sends spies to gather intelligence. Canaan is composed of several city-states, each governed by its king. Among these, Jericho stands as the first city-state the Israelites must confront, setting the stage for this remarkable tale.

Joshua's two spies, tasked with scouting the heavily fortified city of Jericho, found an unlikely ally in Rahab, a prostitute. At the time, Jericho was on high alert, aware of the looming presence of the Israelites nearby. Fear gripped the city, and the king ensured that no suspicious activity went unchecked. Reports soon reached the authorities about two suspicious men seen entering Rahab's house. The king immediately ordered his guards to apprehend them.

Rahab’s house served not only as her residence but also as an inn, making it an ideal cover for the spies. However, due to the heightened tension in the city, the spies were quickly noticed. When the guards confronted Rahab, questioning her about the men, she cleverly deceived them. She claimed the men had already left and urged the guards to pursue them, suggesting they might still catch up. In truth, Rahab had hidden the spies on her rooftop, covering them with stalks of flax.

By protecting the lives of the spies, Rahab earned their gratitude and a promise of safety for her and her family. The spies instructed her to tie a scarlet rope—a symbol of their agreement—outside her window, which they would recognize during the impending siege. When Jericho fell, the scarlet rope ensured that Rahab and her family were spared while the rest of the city perished.

Rahab’s story is one of remarkable transformations. Despite her past, she became an integral part of God’s plan, ultimately included in the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Her journey exemplifies the boundless grace of God, offering redemption and a chance for a new life to even the most unlikely individuals.

Today, I’d like to share some spiritual insights that can enrich your daily journey with the Lord.

First, Rahab acknowledged and placed her faith in the God of the Israelites. 

In verse 11b, Rahab declares, “For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” This statement reveals her recognition and acceptance of the God of Israel as the one true God, in sharp contrast to her previous beliefs as a follower of pagan practices. Such a shift is extraordinary for someone raised with an entirely different cultural and religious perspective. Changing one’s core beliefs, especially when deeply rooted in tradition and upbringing, often feels like a threat to the prevailing norms and values.

This struggle for change is not unique to Rahab; it’s a recurring theme in history. Jesus Christ, for instance, faced significant opposition for introducing transformative teachings that challenged the established religious norms of His time. Moving away from the Old Testament principle of retribution— “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”—He introduced radical ideas such as love over hatred, compassion over revenge, and blessings instead of curses. Yet, His most profound and controversial teaching was His claim to be the Son of God.

This claim marked a pivotal moment in His ministry, leading to fierce resistance. For many, His teachings were too revolutionary, too challenging to their worldview. As a result, the crowd rejected Him, accusing Him of blasphemy and demanding the ultimate punishment. Their cries of “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” underscore the profound difficulty humanity often faces in embracing change, even when it leads to salvation and renewal.

Could it have been straightforward for Rahab to embrace such a profound shift in belief and openly declare her faith in Yahweh, a God she had never encountered or known? Furthermore, consider Rahab's professions; she was a prostitute, someone unlikely to prioritize matters of spirituality. Yet, this story conveys a powerful and unmistakable message: God’s grace and forgiveness extend to everyone, regardless of race, culture, or the nature of their sins.

Rahab wasted no time; she recognized the opportunity for transformation and declared her faith in the Lord Almighty. The typical hesitation we might grapple with when faced with such a decision—questions like, "Am I ready to embrace a radical change in my life?" or "Am I prepared to renounce my old ways and submit entirely to His authority?"—did not seem to hinder Rahab. Her conviction was immediate and unwavering.

Rahab's belief was rooted in the testimonies she had heard about the miraculous deeds of Yahweh. She learned of the parting of the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape from the Egyptian army, and of Yahweh’s victories against powerful nations. These accounts revealed a God whose strength was unmatched, invoking fear across Jericho—but not in Rahab.

Her faith in Jehovah was absolute, shaped by the evidence of His might. For Rahab, Yahweh was the one true God, and there was no room for doubt in her heart. In contrast to the gods of her culture, who had shown no such divine power, Yahweh’s miracles were enough to solidify her belief.

Does Rahab’s story resonate with your journey of faith? Changing deeply held beliefs is rarely simple. Many of us struggle with doubt, questioning God’s presence and hesitating to relinquish worldly concerns that feel indispensable. Rahab’s unwavering faith sets her apart, earning her recognition among the heroes of faith in the Bible. As Hebrews 11:31 states, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

This brings us to the second point: Rahab’s faith was marked by courageous action (as seen in verses 4 and 19).

When reasoning reaches its limits, faith takes root and inspires action. Rahab didn’t just believe in Yahweh—she demonstrated her faith through bold deeds. Her actions were remarkably daring, as she risked her very life to hide the two spies on the roof of her house, concealing them under stalks of flax. Furthermore, she misled their pursuers and later helped the spies escape by lowering them discreetly from her window using a scarlet rope.

In today’s terms, such an act could be considered treason—supporting foreign invaders to the detriment of one’s own country is a grave offense, often punishable by life imprisonment or death. Rahab’s commitment to the one true God came at a great personal cost. Her actions, however, exemplify what living faith truly means: a faith that refuses to be intimidated, fears nothing, and trusts fully in God’s ability to fulfill His plans.

Do we possess the same courage as Rahab? Typically, our instinct is self-preservation—to prioritize our survival. In contrast, Rahab’s selfless faith reminds us of the sacrifices made by early Christians during the first century A.D. Many faced persecution and recanted their beliefs out of fear, while others stood firm, bravely enduring martyrdom to ensure the survival of the church. Today, we are immensely blessed to enjoy religious freedom, particularly in countries like the Western world; where the fear of persecution no longer looms. Yet, despite such privileges, we often falter in our faith when faced with life's trials.

Rahab’s story urges us to cultivate a “backbone of faith” that empowers us to confront life’s challenges without retreat. It is not enough to merely believe and speak of faith—the Bible teaches that Rahab’s faith was justified through her actions. 

How is your faith today? Have you examined your spiritual condition and relationship with the Lord? Do you possess the courage to face uncertainties with unwavering trust in God? Like Rahab, who stepped out of her insecurities and boldly placed her life in the hands of the Lord, we too must hold fast to our faith. The Lord knows our struggles and feels our longings. As Jeremiah 29:11 assures, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” While these words were spoken to the Babylonian exiles, the principle applies to us today, as God’s character remains constant throughout time (Hebrews 13:8).

God’s promises should inspire us to rise above our fears and doubts and to move forward with confidence and determination. Even when circumstances seem unfavorable, we are called to trust Him, for His plans surpass our understanding. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, His designs are meant to give us hope and a future. Let this truth embolden you to live a life of faith, just as Rahab did, with courage and trust in God’s unfailing plans.

The third and final point is that Rahab humbly submitted to God's will and faithfully carried out the instructions given to her (verses 13 and 14).

Because of this, Rahab is celebrated in the Bible as one of the heroines of faith. Her faith is validated by her actions, as highlighted in Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:24-26. She didn’t just hide the spies; she also followed their instructions to the letter. They told her to tie the scarlet rope—the same one they used to escape through her window—as a sign for the invading army to spare everyone inside her house. Rahab didn’t question or argue; she obeyed their directions exactly as they were given. The key takeaway here is obedience.

Rahab was not of Israelite origin but a Canaanite, a pagan who turned to faith in Yahweh. Moreover, she was looked down upon by her people due to her profession as a prostitute. She was, by all accounts, an outcast. Yet, because of her unwavering faith in the Almighty, her life was transformed. Rahab followed the instructions given to her by God’s messengers with complete obedience. The outcome of her faith and actions was remarkable—not only was she saved, but her entire family was spared as well.

What’s even more extraordinary is that Rahab, a woman once marginalized and living in sin, became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. The Bible recounts that Rahab, after converting to Judaism, married Salmon. Together, they had a son, Boaz, who would go on to marry Ruth. Their union brought forth Obed, the grandfather of Jesse and great-grandfather of King David. Through this lineage, Jesus Christ was born into the world, fulfilling God’s divine plan.

This demonstrates that God's grace and mercy extend to all people, regardless of their background or the nature of their sins. Think about Rahab—was there anything admirable about her before her faith? Not at all. She was someone society might look down on. Yet, everything changed when she placed her faith in the Lord. Without faith, Rahab remained trapped in her sins, living without hope. Had she not turned to God, her life would have ended in shame and despair. But how blessed she and her family became, standing out from all others in Jericho. Not only were they saved in this life, but their salvation ensured eternal life as well.

Just as Rahab used the scarlet rope as a symbol of her salvation, today it is only through Jesus Christ that humanity can find true salvation. His blood offers hope, both in this world and in life to come. Rahab, though initially without hope, found redemption the moment she surrendered her life to God. Her story is one of remarkable transformation—a woman emerging from a life of darkness to embrace a new beginning with God. This is the simplicity of faith in the eyes of God: accepting His grace, which brings salvation through Jesus Christ.

Rahab demonstrated faith by saving the lives of the two spies and faithfully tying the scarlet rope to her window, exactly as instructed. Her actions didn’t just secure her salvation, but also that of her entire household. This shows that God doesn't wait for perfection or righteousness before extending His promise of salvation. Those willing to come to Jesus Christ in faith and submit to His Lordship are granted eternal life. As Jesus declares, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40).

The opportunity for salvation lies in surrendering your life to Christ, making Him your Lord and Savior. However, many today acknowledge Jesus and believe in what He accomplished on the cross, yet they resist submitting to His Lordship or accepting Him as their Savior. Instead, they become deeply absorbed in worldly pursuits, treating them as the ultimate priority. But the truth is that all worldly things are fleeting—they are temporary. Life is unpredictable; one moment, you may be successful, healthy, and content, celebrating the joys of life, and the next, everything could change drastically. Yesterday, you might have been on top of the world, only to find yourself at the lowest point today, with recovery seeming hopeless. Such is the uncertainty of life.

My friend, Jesus Christ is your ultimate hope in life and your only Savior. The pursuits of this world pale in comparison to the eternal riches that await you in His heavenly kingdom—eternal life and immortality. In other words, our true hope is not rooted in worldly things but in accepting God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord. That is what truly matters!

While faith is indispensable, it must be partnered with action—just as Rahab showed by sheltering the spies and following their instructions. In his letter to Jewish Christians, James emphasized that faith without deeds is incomplete. He wrote, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:14, 17). Likewise, Peter reminded us that faith alone is not enough to secure our calling and escape the corruption brought on by sinful desires. We are encouraged to add to our faith goodness, to goodness knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7).

This is the message found in God’s Word, and it is meant to be shared so that you may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. And for those who have not yet committed their lives to Him, you could make a life-changing decision. Why not choose this moment to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and openly declare your faith? 

Jesus Christ is far more than a historical figure or esteemed teacher—he is God in human form. The apostle John, author of Revelation, shares what he saw and heard: “When I saw Him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But He placed his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I died, but now I am alive forevermore. And I hold the keys of death and Hades’” (Revelation 1:17-18).

My friend, I invite you to meet Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. He entered our world and became one of us so he could rescue us from the grip of sin. He paid the ultimate price for your salvation by dying on the cross, and after three days, he rose again so you could have eternal life. Even now, he stands at the door of your heart, hoping you’ll open it and welcome him in. He offers you his boundless grace and the promise of everlasting life. The gift of salvation is waiting for you to accept.

Let us pray.

Our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing Your Word to touch the hearts of those who have heard and reflected upon it. I pray that the Holy Spirit will move in their lives, leading them to commit and surrender fully to Jesus Christ. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.

I hope today’s message has been a blessing to you. Please continue to listen and share this message with your loved ones. May you find strength and encouragement as you walk in faith. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of your time. This is your host, Brother Dani Marantan Banggo, encouraging you to keep fighting the good fight of faith. Until we meet again. Mahalo!