Introducing Rahab

Joshua 2:1-24

The Israelites were about to enter Canaan and claim their promised land.

The first city they would have to face was the great walled city of Jericho.

If they could take this city, they could easily split the country into two, and then move from there to conquer the north and the south.

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Before they attacked the city, Joshua sent two spies into the city to examine the mood of the people, and to determine whether or not they were ready for the war that was coming.

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When the two men arrived in Jericho, they went to the home of a harlot.

Their purpose in entering into a harlot’s home was not immoral.

Their reasons were practical.

The sight of men entering a harlot’s home would not attract too much attention.

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What they found when they entered the home of Rahab was a shock to them.

They found Rahab changed by the power of God!

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Rahab is a demonstration of the power of God to transform lives.

God can take sinners who will place their faith in Him and completely changes them by His power.

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Let us look at what the Lord did for Rahab.

Let us see how Rahab saved and changed by the power of God!

Israel’s Commitment

Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!”

(Joshua 1:16-18)

They Committed Themselves To A Life Of Surrender

They made their stand with the Lord. They promised absolute obedience and surrender to the will of God.

This is the only way to spiritual victory. There must be total and absolute surrender of every area of life to the will of God and to His divine leadership. We need to make a complete surrender to God.

They Committed Themselves To A Life Of Submission

They promised to follow the leadership of Joshua.

We also need to submit to those in authority in the church.

They Committed Themselves To A Life Of Separation

They promised to separate themselves from those in their midst who refused to comply with the commandments of Joshua. They vowed to put to death anyone who rebelled against the leadership of Joshua.

If we want to walk in victory, we must practice separation in our lives as well. We must separate ourselves from anything that would prevent us from achieving victory in our lives. We may need to consider the way we dress, the way we talk, the things we watch and do, where we work, how we think or in any other area of life.

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The land of Canaan was in sight!

God had commanded Joshua to claim the land!

God had asked Joshua to trust in Him, to carry out His Law, and to be courageous!

Joshua had challenged the people of Israel to be ready and to be responsible people!

They were committed to march into the land of Canaan!

They were committed to live a life of surrender, a life of submission, and a life of separation to the will of God and the leadership of Joshua!

How about you?

Are you committed to march into your land of Canaan?

Will you commit yourselves to the will of God and the leadership of your Church?

Oh! It had been 40 years! Linger not in your spiritual wilderness!

Come out, cross the river Jordon, and march into your land of Canaan!

It is a land of spiritual conquests and victories.

It is a land flowing with milk and honey!

It is a land of abundant blessings in the very presence of God!

A Challenge To Responsibility

Joshua 1:12-15

Joshua addressed the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.

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These tribes had sought, and got permission from Moses to remain east of the Jordan, just outside the Promised Land.

They had made this request because the land east of Jordan was a land that was good for raising cattle (Num. 32:1, 4, 16).

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Joshua reminded them that they had promised to fight alongside their brethren until the land of Canaan was conquered (Deut. 3:12-20).

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There are many Christians today who are just like these 2 ½ tribes.

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They are more concerned about making a living than about making a life!

They are materially minded, not spiritually minded!

They have trusted Jesus for salvation.

They attend church when they want.

They give and tithe when they feel like it.

But they seldom put God first in their lives.

And they refuse to go all the way in their commitment to the Lord.

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But they must be reminded to cross over to fight alongside their brethren!

A Challenge To Readiness

So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’”
(Joshua 1:10-11)

Joshua’s Challenge (Joshua 1:10-15)

After Joshua received his challenge from the Lord, without hesitation, he went to the people and told them that the time had come to take their land.

First, he told them to get ready. He told them to prepare some food.

The manna was about to stop.

God had told them that He would give them manna while they were in the desert.

But it would cease when they entered the Promised Land (Ex. 16:35).

The manna was desert diet.

Now they were about to move up to something a whole lot better.

They were going to a land flowing with milk and honey.

What had worked in the wilderness would not suffice in the land of blessing.

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Before we can enter our Canaan, we also have to make the proper preparations.

The way we live must change.

The things we feed on must change.

Our priorities and passions must be brought in line with the will of God.

The entire scope of our lives must be altered to adjust to living differently than the world around us!

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This is why some people never enjoy the victorious Christian life.

They refuse to make the necessary changes to adjust to living in spiritual victory.

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Are you ready for your Canaan?

A Call To Courage In Leadership

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9)

Three times, The Lord God Himself encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous (6a, 7a, 9a).

Joshua would need great courage to face the enemies of Israel and to lead the people to victory in the Promised Land.

He must learn to stand firm and strong in the face of opposition!

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We also need to stand strong and courageous for the Lord now!

All around us, Christians are falling by the wayside.

We need Christians who will take the lead in the churches and make their stand for the Lord.

We need to stand up, make our stand, and headed God’s call to be brave and strong in our days.

We need to be godly men and women of courage, conviction and integrity.

Let’s learn to be strong and courageous for the Lord as we move toward our Canaan.