“I was . . . but now . . . This is the chorus of grace.”- Max Lucado
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”- Hebrews 11:31
In Chapter 4 (“It’s Okay If You’re Not Okay”) of Glory Days, Max Lucado discusses the story of Rahab, as found in Joshua 2. Pastor Lucado notes that much could be said about Rahab without mentioning her profession. A Canaanite, she provided cover for Joshua’s spies. Joshua 2:11 contains her confession of faith: ” . . . for the Lord, your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.”
After the fall of Jericho, Rahab was assimilated into the Hebrew culture and married Salmon. She bore Salmon a son named Boaz. Boaz had a great-great grandson by the name of David- a direct lineage to Jesus.
When the Israelites surrounded Jericho, Rahab was at the bottom of life’s pit. Similar to Rahab, we’ve all sold out in some way- our allegiance, affection, attention, or talents. Max suggests we might feel like this:
“Glory Days? Perhaps for him or her. But not for me. I am too . . . soiled, dirty, afflicted. I have sinned too much, stumbled too often, floundered too long. I’m on the garbage heap of society. No Glory Days for me.”
When we have such thoughts, all we need to do is speak the chorus of grace.
Today’s question (study guide): What failures or limitations have made the Promised Land life seem out of reach for you? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The smallest step”
