God’s Glory in Our Stories
Joshua 2:8–14
📖 Scripture
8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof
9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and 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.
10 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.
11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
12 “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign
13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them—and that you will save us from death.”
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.”
💡 Scripture Summary
Rahab tells the spies she knows the Lord has given them the land. She tells them that Jericho has heard how God dried up the Red Sea and how Israel defeated two Amorite kings, and everyone is afraid. In return for helping them, Rahab asks the spies to spare her and her family. The spies promise to do so.
📜 Memory Verse
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
🔎 Reflection
God’s Story Spreads (2:8–11)
Rahab tells the spies that news has already reached Jericho of how God defeated the Egyptians and the Amorites before the Israelites and fear has seized the city. But while the rest of Jericho remains in their fear, Rahab chooses to place her trust in the God of Israel. She realizes that if the Almighty God becomes her God, she has no reason to fear. As the church, our calling is to show the world what it looks like to be led by a faithful God. As we live this out, the news of God’s power and His goodness toward us will spread. Our hope is that others, like Rahab, will let down their defenses and come to trust in Him for themselves.
How does Rahab come to see God through the story of Israel? Reflect on how you see God’s power and faithfulness in your own life.
Reciprocal Kindness (2:12–14)
Rahab asks the spies to show the same kindness she showed them by sparing her and her family when the city is taken. The spies promise her that as long as she keeps their secret, neither she nor her family has anything to fear. Rahab takes a risk by trusting the spies to return her kindness. She places her trust not only in them, but ultimately in the faithful character of their God. In a world where kindness feels risky and uncertain, Scripture assures us that God sees and honors acts of faith and compassion. Christ showed us kindness by rescuing us from condemnation when we were yet His enemies. Let us follow His example by being eager to show kindness to others whenever we have the opportunity.
Reflect on the kindness God has shown you. How can you extend this kindness to others today?
💬 Today’s Inspiration
“If God has shown us bad times ahead, it’s enough for me that He knows about them. That’s why He sometimes shows us things . . . to tell us that this too is in His hands.”
– Corrie ten Boom
🙏 Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the goodness and mercy You have shown Your people. Help me not to take Your kindness for granted and lead me in showing the same kindness to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.