Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” [When they returned] they said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.” (Joshu, 2:1a, 24, NIV 1984).
My Musings – While the spies were in Jericho, “they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. (Joshua 2:1b, NIV 1984). Their presence in the city was no secret, so she hid them when the authorities came to search. She also misled the authorities by saying, “at dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, the men left. I don’t know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.” (Joshua 2:5, NIV 1984).
It was from Rahab that the spies learned, “that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:9-11, NIV 1984). Although a generation had passed, what the Lord had done in Egypt was still fresh on the minds of the people of Jericho.
In exchange for the kindness she showed the spies, when Jericho fell, “Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.” (Joshua 6:25, NIV 1984). What’s more, she is listed in the genealogy of Jesus. “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.” (Matthew 1:5-6, NIV 1984). Just one example of God fulfilling a promise He made to Abraham, “I will bless those [Rahab] who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed [Jesus] through you.” (Genesis 12:3, NIV 1984).
My Advice – “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NIV 1984). Joshua sent spies into the land help plan the conquest. Nothing wrong with that. But in the end, he wisely followed God’s direction. Even though, they may not have made sense to him. “I [the Lord] have delivered Jericho into your hands.” Joshua 5:14, NIV 1984).
I am sure that the rulers of Jericho had also planned for the defense of the city. But Rahab, although seemingly safe and secure within the city walls was wise enough to set her hopes on God of Israel. “I know that the Lord has given this land to you.” (Joshua 2:9, NIV 1984).
Go ahead and makes plans. Provide for your security. But be open (and willing) for the Lord to redirect.
The Brew Is A Musing 