I have been working my way through the book Mended by Angie Smith and so far I HIGHLY recommend it. Literally every chapter has me either wanting to cry or rejoice (sometimes both).
One of chapters I read most recently centered around Rahab, a prostitute (check out Joshua 2 for the whole story). Long story short, spies who were coming into Canaan stayed at her home and she protected them from the king of Jericho. She hid the men under stalks of flask and told the men she believed in God more than she feared for her own life (Josh. 2:11). In exchange for protection for her family, she gave them shelter until they left Canaan. To protect her family, the spies told her to hang a scarlet cord out her window to signify that their home should be spared from the invasion. This symbol was so powerful because it symbolized the blood of Christ(much like the passover in Egypt).
Overall, this story resonated with me because it proves that my God is first a God of redemption. Even though Rahab was a prostitute, he used her for his glory. He loves picking up the outcast, the underdog and showing them they are MORE than their present circumstances. He blessed her and used her because of her HEART. Moreover, it relieves me from worrying so much about what I am doing or not doing. On both sides of the coin, whether I am being really "good and godly" or falling WAY short it doesn't matter! If my heart is in line and pursuing the Lord, the behaviors I want will come naturally.
"All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" - Isaiah 64:6
"...man looks at outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart" - 1 Sam. 16:7
These verses jumped out at me this morning and my heart is so grateful that I am free from the law and legalism. He cares about my heart. He died for my heart and soul so that I can be FREE.
Not only did God use Rahab to protect the spies, she is also in the direct line of Christ. A broken, imperfect, immoral woman used to bring our Savior into the world. How humbling and amazing is that?
What is the thing from your past that you fear will keep you from God?
No matter what it is, the bondage that comes with that is broken by the cross. If I am a believer in Christ, the price has been paid and I am as free as I let myself be. The enemy wants me to be swallowed up by guilt and shame, but it ISN'T so with Jesus.
