Rahab is my favorite woman in the Bible. Not because of who she was but because of who God is and how he uses people for his grand design. The story of Rahab offers me hope. (Read Joshua 2 for more about Rahab).

The Bible doesn’t disclose why Rahab is a prostitute. Perhaps her father was an invalid or her family was starving. But what we do know is that Rahab had a fear of the Lord and believed in our one true God.

Imagine Rahab in ancient Canaan, openly a prostitute at a time when women had no rights. She’s a woman who probably sees all types of men, and she hears about God, and the miracles He performed on behalf of the Israelites when they escaped Egypt. So when the spies from Israel show up at her door, she lies to the King’s men to protect them. And then strikes a bargain with the spies to protect her and her family if she helps them.

Stay with me, because I do have a point. The people who lived around Rahab probably shunned her. She was probably ostracized from the community—much like prostitutes are shunned now. If Rahab lived next door to me, I have to wonder whether I’d invite her into my home or out for coffee. And even asking that question of myself tells me much about my character.

I thank God for his mercy and grace. Thankfully God’s ways aren’t my ways or we’d all be in big trouble. Rahab teaches me a lesson in judging others. I’m simply not qualified. God blessed Rahab by giving her a husband and children. And she is privileged to be one of Christ’s ancestors. I think I’d be the privileged one if she’d accept an invitation into my home. Would she accept me into hers?