Set Apart for the Kingdom: Lessons from Rahab
Set Apart for the Kingdom: Lessons from Rahab
Can you think of a time in your life when you listened to the voice of God and, in doing so, were the opposite of the opinions around you? You may have felt alone, but what if you were actually set apart for the kingdom?
Perhaps your situation was as simple as remaining neutral, hearing both sides of a disagreement, and choosing not to take a side. Or perhaps you were removed from a position without cause.
Perhaps you stood up for the least of these while everyone else looked the other way.
Perhaps you aligned with the leadership vision, as others complained about the proposed changes.
Rahab was no stranger to this social experience. In her culture, she was forgettable, living within the city walls, and set apart by God to help the Israelites receive their Promised Land (Hebrews 11:31). However, in doing so, she had to boldly stand firm against popular speculation.
Rahab held a faith that set an example. Here are three things she teaches us about being set apart for God.
Your Past Does Not Discredit You
Rahab knew what it felt like to have a past she wasn’t proud of. We know from the Scriptures that she was a prostitute (Joshua 2:2), living in the lowliest of circumstances. She was mocked and ridiculed, and those she cohabited with in Jericho only spoke to her when they wanted something from her.
Is something in your past keeping you from believing God can and will use you?
Friend, regardless of what you have done, God loves you with an everlasting love and has a special purpose for you. And just as He used a prostitute to usher in His plan of promise, He, too, can use you to bring heaven to earth.
Obedience Requires Courage
Many people in Jericho had lost heart at the thought of the Israelites taking over. As people ran out (Scripture tells us they were melting in fear), Rahab sought strength from her faith and remained where she was (Joshua 2:9-11).
Being obedient to God often appears intimidating and unsettling. Because of this, we are required to draw on our faith with resolute courage as we trust in God and obey.
What big thing is God asking you to step into?
Trust God’s Leading
Rahab not only stayed in Jericho, but she also helped hide the Israelite spies when the authorities were looking for them. She also leaned on her holy discernment and traded her help for her family’s safety. (Joshua 2:12-20)
A simple, scarlet cord, as red as the blood of Christ, would be her lifeline.
God revealed His knowledge to her, and she was spared from death. And the same is true for us; when we trust God in the unknown, He will provide a way for us to live.
Set Apart For the Kingdom
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Rahab, a prostitute, was one of the five women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. God used a woman of low standing not only to bring His prophecy to pass but also as a blood relative of Christ. She was God’s chosen one for this very circumstance.
My friend, be encouraged; no title, reputation, gender, or lack of education can keep you from messing up God’s plan. He takes delight in His daughters, and He wants to write you in the narrative of His story.
Because you, too, are His chosen one, set apart for kingdom building!
His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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