Sunday Sermon – January 12, 2025 – “The Courage of a Canaanite”
January 12, 2025
The Courage of a Canaanite
Joshua 2
January 12, 2025
Dr. Kelly B. Burton
Last week we studied Joshua chapter 1 together. We heard God’s announcement, God’s charge and God’s heart-warming promise to Joshua. Today, in chapter 2, we read about a familiar secret expedition. Like Moses, Joshua secretly sends spies to scout out the land of Jericho. They met a prostitute named Rahab, who exhibits the kind of courage God is looking for in Joshua chapter 1. Rahab’s courage and confession in Israel’s God put her on the map of the New Testament! How should we carefully connect her actions to the work of Jesus in the New Testament?
There are three scenes to this epic narrative:
Scene One: A Familiar Secret Expedition 2:1-7
V1 Rahab’s house was probably an inn or a tavern.
V1 We are not focusing on her occupation, but her actions.
Scene Two: A Remarkable Statement in the Mouth of a Foreigner 2:8-14
V10 God’s reputation travels fast.
V11 What do Rahab’s words reveal about God? Is this a saving confession?
Scene Three: An Oath of Protection, A Promise of Mercy 2:15-21
Vv18-20 The spies promised to spare Rahab if she did not betray them.
V21 Rahab tied a scarlet cord in her window.
The Main Idea: God is renowned across the world for His mighty acts of deliverance. Follow His orders and you’ll find safety
