Steven A. Bush - March 22, 2026
From Harlotry to Hall of Faith
The brother of Jesus, explaining how genuine faith is affirmed by works, writes to us in James 2:25-26: "In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." (NIV) The account that James is writing about is found in the second chapter of Joshua and it's a fascinating read. Then in Hebrews 11:31, we find this woman's name again in what many call the Hall of Faith as the text reads: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace." (NASB) So how does a woman who is a pagan and a prostitute become so renowned among God's people? And we might also ask whether or not she remained a pagan and a prostitute or did our Lord have other plans for her life? And if indeed He had other plans for Rahab, might He not also have other plans for the likes of us?
Scripture References: Joshua 2:1-24, Isaiah 1:18, Joshua 6:20-25, James 2:25-26, Hebrews 11:30-31