Friday, September 30, 2011

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?  26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:25-26

Today, we’ll look at our second “case study” that James provides for us.  To find out the history about Rahab go read Joshua 2:1-22.  Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho who heard of the reputation of the nation of Israel, and more specifically of the God of this nation.  Joshua, the leader of the nation of Israel at that time, sent spies into the city to gather relevant information before they conquered the city.  When the spies encountered Rahab, she told them of her faith in their God. Specifically in Joshua 2:11, she says “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”  She then goes on to help the spies escape, and keep their plans a secret.  Her faith (that Jehovah God is the One, True God) lead her to action (protecting the spies).James then goes on to describe this faith without works as a corpse without a spirit. It’s just not a living, effective faith.

Application:
This week we have read an incredible group of verses that describes what living, genuine, authentic faith looks like.  Today, if you know that you’re a child of God, take a few minutes to thank Him for saving you, and for helping you to live out your faith.