SCRIPTURE: Joshua 2:1-24

OBSERVATION:
1. God has already been preparing the land for invasion. The rumours were enough to cause fear in the inhabitants, an advantage for Joshua and his armies.
2. This was not just a battle for the land, it was a battle of the gods. The God of Israel was coming against El and Baal, the gods of Canaan. That the God of Israel was able to defeat the gods of Egypt, Sihon and Og and to preserve and protect his people through the wilderness was enough to cause great fear among the inhabitants.
3. Rahab demonstrates the proper response to an awareness of God and His power. Her fear causes her to seek peace. with God and His people. This response guarantees protection for her and her household, including family members taking refuge in her.
4. Here we see the household principle at work, how believers and all those who are with them benefit from the faith of the one family member. Blessings and curses are contagious, they spread to those around us. Rahab’s faith and the protection she received from the Lord was also extended to all those with her.

APPLICATION:
1. God is at work before us, preparing the way. We do not start the evangelism process, God has already been present preparing the hearts of those we approach. The Lord is the author and finisher of faith, we simply join Him in what He is doing.
2. Most people hide behind figurative walls to keep God at bay. But there is no place to hide. God is at work, He is giving us reason to respond with repentance and faith. The proper response for us, like Rahab, is faith.
3. My children are blessed by my good choices, and burdened (cursed) by my bad choices. Do I realize the impact of my daily decisions on those I love.

PRAYER:
Lord, as I draw near to You, I am triply blessed. I am blessed to be with you, my family is blessed with me, and those around me that I encounter are blessed through me. Help me to willingly share the blessing of your love with those I meet today. Amen.