Rahab

In the city of Jericho in the past lived both good and bad people. Some were priests, governors, royals, slaves and criminals. Rahab was no better; she was a prostitute. She had no respect and was regarded as an outcast in her family. Prostitutes had a respect only above the level given to lepers, who were regarded as living dead and were not tolerated in towns. Rahab was therefore a nobody in society, though she had hidden potential.

The Israelites sent some spies to the city of Jericho when they entered the promised land (Joshua 2:1). When the people of Jericho wanted to harm them, Rahab hid and saved their lives (vs 3,4). The spies took an oath to save Rahab and her family on the D-day, and they kept that pledge (Joshua 6:24,25).

They burnt the city with fire, and all that was therein. Only the silver, gold and the vessels of brass and iron were put into the treasury of the house of the Lord. And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, together with all her father's household and all that she had. "She dwelleth in Israel even unto this day, because she hid the messengers which Joshua sent to spy out Jericho".

Rahab was still a prostitute! Aren't you touched by this story? It shows that no human being is useless. One needs to find out one's potential. God has plans for people who turn to Him (Jer 29:11-13), and everybody needs to seek Him well. Rahab had neither respect nor future, but she recognized the powers of Almighty God when the opportunity arose (Joshua 2:9- 14). Man should learn to be careful to avoid treading on the feet of those chosen by Almighty God. They may be in the form of ordinary people but not priests, the elite or rich.

"The Lord killeth and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich, he bringeth low and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them" (1 Samuel 2:6-8).

When David was confronted with the man who killed King Saul, he affirmed that nobody was to touch people chosen by God. David became a man after God's heart for he knew the will of God. The end of man is not seen from the beginning. Even in your mediocrity, a system can only function well in your presence. Do not look up to man, for only you can help make yourself what you want to be. Nothing is ever late, so life is how you make it. Man will only deceive and disappoint you when you need them most, but not so God. The Almighty God will never fail you, only trust in him, and to this end say: "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14). Brethren and sisters, let us all have a good time with the Lord at all times. Amen,

Bro Joseph Kwesi (Ghana)