Joshua 2:14-24: The Affirmation of Faith

Theological Proposition/Focus: God demands faith and faith demands action.

Homiletical Proposition/Application: We are not saved by works, we are saved by faith, but we must realize that faith demands action.

Introduction:

Setting the Stage:

Last week we left Rahab sitting at an important juncture. Rahab showed faith in God in her willingness to hide God's people and her request that she and her family be preserved. Now we will see that Rahab's faith was rewarded but we will also see a most extrodinary maxm, real faith demnads action.

At first glance, you might think, oh no, here we go again.

Once again Israel is going to doubt God's power and refuse to enter the land. However, this does not seem to be the case. The use of spies was not a lack of faith but rather an effort to discover how best to proceed. Joshua is using common sense here. Nothing in the text suggests that Joshua doubts God. Rather it seems that Joshua is looking to plan his next steps carefully.

In fact, there is a hint that Joshua was being very careful here. The text states that Joshua

sent these spies secretly.

That a spy is acting covertly is obvious so including the word secret seems superfluous. Perhaps the point is that even the fellow Israelites did not know of this mission. These spies took on a dangerous and thankless job. Even their countrymen would not know of the sacrifice they were making. Sometimes we must be spiritually courageous and no one will know of our courage.

Body

14 “Our lives for your lives!” the men assured her. “If you don’t tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land.” 15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way.” 17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” 21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

God honors those who in faith make bold requests (14-21).

God honored Rahab by guaranteeing her safety.

The spies agree. The NIV translates kindly and faithfully from the Hebrew

The word חסד appears 245 times

and is used to refer to God's loyal, covenant love. Rahab made a bold request, after all, recall that Israel was supposed to drive out all the inhabitants of the land and God honors the request and actually brings her into the covenant relationship.

The spies make a deal that ensures both their safety and Rahab's safety.

God honored the spies by preserving their life.

We have spent a lot of time talking about Rahab and her safety, but I also want you to notice that the spies were safe. We would be amiss not to note that.

So what can we learn from this example?

MTR: Make bold, informed requests.

22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 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.”

God allows his people to affirm His plan (22-24)

God allowed Joshua to investigate the land.

Only a half mile west of Jericho there are 1500-foot limestone cliffs. These cliffs are full of caves and the spies were able to hide. Joshua had asked the spies to go and investigate and their life had been preserved.

God took Joshua's plan and used it not only to build faith in Israel but also to save Rahab.

God allowed the spies to understand the situation.

Recall that 38 years earlier 10 spies, upon seeing the might of Canaan led the people's hearts to melt. Now, these two spies boldly declare that the people of Canaan's hearts are melting in fear.

Conclusion:

Rahab's faith is what saved her.

Read Hebrews 11:31

The passage tells us that it was faith that saved Rahab.

This sermon is titled the power of realization. What we need to realize is that God is looking for faith.

In the two NT passaged talking about Rahab she is mentioned as a prostitute

This is not to demean Rahab but rather to call attention to God's saving work. It is faith that saves, not works.