A Mother God Honored

Joshua 2

*Intro – How does God honor a mother?  One way is by giving her a spot in His holy Word.

*Mt 1:5 only 4 women mentioned in lineage – Rahab was one – Heb 11:31; James 2:25 (shorter hall of faith – just she and Abraham); and Josh 2

*As we honor our mothers today, and as moms enjoy a bit of much deserved appreciation – let’s think for a few minutes about the kind of mom God took time (and Scripture) to honor.

*What character quality, what achievement, what manner of living would you need to exhibit to receive that kind of attention from the Lord? – Not just in the Messiah’s family tree, but recorded 4 times in the Bible.

I. Far from Perfect

*vs1 harlot

*vs4 liar

*undoubtedly a pagan idolater – why was God judging the inhabitants

*Being a member of Adam’s race – never became perfect, never got it all right, never fully measured up

*Moms, I don’t want to diminish your day one iota by causing you to think of all your faults and past failures, but I do want to encourage all of us – not just moms – that there is hope in Jesus Christ.  God is in the restoration business – He buys old junk and makes it beautiful – it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, who you are, or what you’re doing – He can move us from spiritual death to life, from unloveliness to beauty, from shame to honor

II. Intense Faith

*Vs9 “I know” – based on what? – paint picture of her life and worldview – tendency to disbelieve other gods and cling to your own

*vs10 “utterly destroyed” – If she knows this, how can she trust a people this ruthless – their not in it for tribute money – they are utterly destroying – clearing a path

*vs11 – Great statement of faith – turning her back on all she’s been taught and ever believed

*vs12 – she’s staking her life on an oath made to Israel’s God

III.  Faith Resulting in Obedience

*vs4 hid them – risked life

*vs15-16 helped them – helping enemy

*vs12-13 asked for covenantal kindness for herself and family – could have assumed, hoped, been too proud, been scared

*vs21 Tied scarlet cord – risked exposure

*Apparently didn’t blow whistle

*7:23 didn’t leave house (even in thick of battle), or flee the city

*Close w/Heb 12:1 – Rahab is one of those witnesses – moms, and all – what is the race set before you?