Welcoming the Outsider
Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24
Rahab’s Broken Past
Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 is one of the most powerful testimonies of God’s redeeming grace. She lived in Jericho, a city under God’s judgment, and she was a prostitute, someone seen as an outsider not just by Israel, but even within her own culture. By every measure, she was far from God’s people and God’s promises.
A Bold Confession of Faith
And yet, when Rahab heard about what God had done—parting the Red Sea and giving Israel victory over powerful kings—she believed. Her confession was bold: “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Josh. 2:11).
That confession changed everything. By faith, Rahab sheltered the Israelite spies at great personal risk. She turned her back on Jericho and threw herself completely on the mercy of Israel’s God. Hebrews 11:31 celebrates her as a woman of faith, and Matthew 1 includes her in the family line of Jesus Himself. The prostitute became a princess.
God’s Grace on Display
Why is that important? Because Rahab’s story reminds us that no past is too dark and no life too broken for God’s redeeming grace. What the world discards, God redeems. What people write off, God writes into His story.
Living This Out Today
That same grace should shape how we live as God’s people today. Just as God welcomed Rahab, He welcomes us. And just as He welcomed us, we are called to welcome others... new families moving into our town, visitors walking through our church doors, neighbors who may feel like outsiders. A simple act of kindness could be the open door someone needs to experience God’s love.
Rahab’s story in Joshua 2 is one of the most powerful testimonies of God’s redeeming grace. She lived in Jericho, a city under God’s judgment, and she was a prostitute, someone seen as an outsider not just by Israel, but even within her own culture. By every measure, she was far from God’s people and God’s promises.
A Bold Confession of Faith
And yet, when Rahab heard about what God had done—parting the Red Sea and giving Israel victory over powerful kings—she believed. Her confession was bold: “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Josh. 2:11).
That confession changed everything. By faith, Rahab sheltered the Israelite spies at great personal risk. She turned her back on Jericho and threw herself completely on the mercy of Israel’s God. Hebrews 11:31 celebrates her as a woman of faith, and Matthew 1 includes her in the family line of Jesus Himself. The prostitute became a princess.
God’s Grace on Display
Why is that important? Because Rahab’s story reminds us that no past is too dark and no life too broken for God’s redeeming grace. What the world discards, God redeems. What people write off, God writes into His story.
Living This Out Today
That same grace should shape how we live as God’s people today. Just as God welcomed Rahab, He welcomes us. And just as He welcomed us, we are called to welcome others... new families moving into our town, visitors walking through our church doors, neighbors who may feel like outsiders. A simple act of kindness could be the open door someone needs to experience God’s love.
Moving forward...
This week, remember Rahab. God took her from outsider to insider, from harlot to heir. That’s the power of His grace. Who in your life might feel like an outsider? A new neighbor? A coworker? A visitor at church? Take one step to reflect God’s welcome, invite them in, share a meal, or simply show kindness.
God welcomed us when we were outsiders. Now, it’s our turn to do the same.
God welcomed us when we were outsiders. Now, it’s our turn to do the same.