The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart that will not have lust, greed, or hate. We need a heart filled with love, peace, and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world.— Billy Graham
In exploring the profound subject of the human heart, we find an illuminating intersection between the narrative of Rahab in the Book of Joshua and Jesus’ teachings about the heart's true contents and potential. Rahab’s story, while set in a vastly different context, aligns seamlessly with the Gospel’s insights into human nature and God’s grace.
Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, was seen by society as an unlikely and unworthy candidate for God's work. Yet her actions in hiding the Israelite spies when the king of Jericho sent men to pursue them (Joshua 2:1-21) revealed that God's grace and plans transcend human judgments and societal limitations.
Jesus teaches, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Despite her profession and societal status, Rahab's heart treasured a nascent faith in the God of Israel, whom she acknowledged as "the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath" (Joshua 2:11).
Her story highlights the necessity of discernment in recognizing potential in the most unlikely places and people. This echoes Jesus’ call to look beyond external appearances and into the heart, where God focuses (1 Samuel 16:7). Rahab’s narrative is a testament to this divine perspective. Though her lifestyle made her an outcast, her heart was open to God’s purposes, positioning her to play a crucial role in the Israelites' conquest of Jericho.
Jesus frequently encountered and elevated those whom society marginalized, teaching that what defiles a person comes from the heart, and thus the transformation of the heart is paramount (Matthew 15:18-20). Like Rahab, many whom Jesus met, such as the woman at the well (John 4:1-26), carried societal stigma. Yet, in their interactions with Jesus, the true nature and capacity of their hearts were revealed—not as defiled or unworthy, but as open and responsive to God’s voice.
Remarkably, Rahab's story did not end with the fall of Jericho. She was integrated into the Israelite community, married Salmon, and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ Himself (Matthew 1:5). This lineage underscores the theme that God’s grace knows no boundaries, and He often writes redemption stories through the most unexpected characters.
Moreover, Rahab's integration into the Israelite community highlights a profound biblical theme: God often chooses the most unlikely candidates to fulfill His purposes. Her story illustrates that the heart’s capacity to entertain God’s thoughts and align with His will is not limited by one’s past or present circumstances.
In reflection, Rahab’s life challenges us to consider what we entertain in our hearts. Are we open to God's workings through unlikely people and situations? Do we see beyond superficial judgments to discern the potential for God’s kingdom work?
Rahab’s transformation from a societal outcast to a pivotal figure in biblical history is a powerful reminder that our hearts can either close us off or open us up to the divine movements that shape destinies and alter histories.
Rahab teaches us that God’s view of our hearts is not constrained by our past or position. In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, her story is a clarion call to embrace God’s perspective, to see beyond human limitations, and to recognize that within every heart lies the potential for transformation and redemption.
As followers of Christ, we are challenged to entertain God in our hearts and to extend His grace to others, just as Rahab did, becoming vessels of His unfailing love and promises.