Good Morning.

When we read much of the story of Abraham, we can see how obedient he was to God's direction, and that obedience was counted to him as righteousness. But let us not forget that Abraham slipped up, too. Although God had promised to 'make of him a great nation,' his and Sarah's impatience combined with Sarah's inability to conceive, led him to have relations with Sarah's Egyptian handmade, Hagar, at Sarah's provocation; that union produced Ishmael, and through Ishmael, the root of Islam. Inclusionists will say therefore that all three major religions find their roots in Abraham then--Judaism, Christianity and Islam, so how can one be more right or true than the others? (Another discussion for another time; but here's a hint: Messiah)

*Something important to note here: the Bible does not leave out the unsavory, sometimes sinful parts of people, even the heroes of the faith-----Entrance Stage Left--->Rahab. We conclude James chapter 2 with these two verses: Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (v.25-26, NLT) Yes, you read that correctly--Rahab was a prostitute. She lived along the city wall of Jericho--which may be the world's oldest city, established nearly 6,000 years before Moses came along. It has been excavated at least four different times, starting in the 1800s. After the death of Moses, the new leader of the Israelites, Joshua, sends out spies to check out the land; the king of Jericho learns about it and send his henchmen to take care of the spies, (messengers). Rahab hides them, and exacts a promise that when Israel conquers Jericho, her and her family will be spared. Deal. Joshua keeps the promise when the city is conquered>Joshua 6.

Have you ever had a "defining moment"--when it comes to faith in God? You see, I believe that all of us get visits from God, and each time, we decide which direction we will go. Sometimes, a defining moment comes at a time of great difficulty, such as terminal disease--some even turn to God for a time--and then afterward, when things are well again, marvel at modern science. (I've seen this quite a few times--we pray like crazy for someone to be healed, and God is gracious; then the person credits something else. My heart aches for God, when that happens.) Sometimes it is the tragedies of life that wake us up and make us search out truth/purpose/God. I have a friend whose daughter was murdered by her son-in-law; it was standing in the morgue that my friend cried out to God, and she has never turned around since. She has continued to seek Him and grow her faith. Choices.

Rahab had a choice; she was discerning in seeing what was ahead for her family, and she chose well. I believe that was Rahab's defining moment; she chose to protect God's people, to align herself with them--her faith changed her life. Because of her faithfulness, Rahab is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ--check out Matthew 1.5. . . amazing. Then she is listed in the Hall of Faith located in Hebrews 11--again commended for her faith. (v. 31) God is so very gracious in His estimation of us.

Well, some of you who are reading this now--are faced with a choice. What will be your defining moment with Jesus Christ? Oh, you will have one--as for when, well, that depends on you. Remember earlier in this chapter two, James said 'even the demons believe'--there must be action on that belief. Religion isn't satisfactory--no, it is a personal choice for a personal relationship with God, and a recognition of your need for Him.

I marvel that God could use me, even though I know He used Rahab--a harlot. Like looking at the wake thrown by a large boat, I turn around and consider times and things in my past, and shudder. That is how I know God is merciful. This week we learned that mercy encompasses forgiveness--[many of you 'keyed' in on that, by the way]--the whole notion of mercy. Would you ask God's forgiveness for past sins, then ACCEPT that forgiveness and mercy, and let Him use you? Come on, the world needs you. Think of it, in Exodus three, God used a bush to speak to Moses; if He can use a bush, couldn't He use you? Oh, I'm sure of it. Let this be your defining moment. Christine