© 05 Colin Melbourne
It is a remarkable fact that, when Almighty God judged the wicked city of Jericho, He spared only one family. Not the priest’s, or the ruler’s, but the city prostitute’s.
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Heb. 11:31 Holy Bible, KJV
All the rest; men, women, babies, grannies, and livestock, perished: Butchered under the Old Covenant.
God tells us He saved a prostitute and her relatives: Because she had faith in Him.
This moves me very much.
It puts a boast in my heart, that destroys the Devil’s power, overcomes religious barriers, and shatters every fear trembling sinners have of God’s judgment. Jas. 2:13b KJV
…mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
He saves repentant; adulterers, idolaters, fornicators and harlots. I love to tell prostitutes about the LORD Jesus Christ. Don’t you?
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
Before I was saved I used to chase after pretty girls and prostitutes, but not any more. Now I point them to Christ. Prostitution is everywhere in Asia, and there’s plenty in your town too. Tell of Jesus’ love, will you? You’ll get amazing results. Don’t humiliate them, instead look into their eyes, and speak of The Man who loves them just as they really are. Who doesn’t want them for sex, but for their heart, and that He will never lie, hurt, or leave those who love Him in return.
Share the Good News that He will be utterly faithful, care for them tenderly, and restore their dignity. Ask if they’d like to begin a new life with a Man like that.
Oh my God is so wonderful. Every single time I’ve spoken this way to a prostitute He’s been right there with me in power to confirm it. Their hard hearts melt as His Spirit confirms the message. How He longs for somebody to go in His Name and share His love.
I’ve seen brothel mockery and suspicion crumble as He touches their hearts.
“He loves you for yourself, not for what you can give Him.”
“He hates your lifestyle, even more than you do, but that doesn’t stop Him from loving you.”
Beautiful dark eyes moisten, warm tears fall like precious jewels.
Their demons on the run.
Most prostitutes have demons, you’ll notice their voices change when they get hooked into their sinful treadmill. They forfeit their dignity and souls for money, attention, drugs, and ‘nice things’. Soon they are completely controlled by evil spirits, and only Christ can set them free.
Named But Not Shamed
Isn’t it interesting that many noble women are described in the Bible without being named? What was the name of Noah’s wife for example?
She must’ve been a terrific woman. Elderly people do ‘go off’ a bit, and get strange ideas don’t they?
“Listen Wife: The Lord says I must build a boat for the family to live in because the heavens are going to pour down, and He’s about to judge the world by Flooding it.”
Lesser women would have ridiculed him, after all, at almost 600 years old he was slightly past his prime. My guess is her response was,
‘Yes Dear, whatever the LORD says. I’ll help you get started right now.’
I think she was that kind of a woman. God uses couples like Noah and his wife.
The world called him potty, but Noah believed God’s word. His obedience and faith saved not only his family, but his descendants too. That includes you. I’m sure Noah’s wife loved, supported, and encouraged him in the Lord: But God doesn’t tell us her name.
In contrast, a prostitute following a life of seamless sin, is not only honoured by being named in the Bible, but is chosen in the great faith chapter of Hebrews, and commended as an example for us to look up to.
God wants you to salute Rahab, and follow her godly example. Isn’t that beautiful of Him? That’s my Jesus!
He rescued her from Jericho’s squalid brothels, from certain violent death, and from Hell itself. She lived out her days with dignity amongst God’s people in the Promised Land. Rahab is in the Glory now.
God saved the harlot of Jericho because of her faith.
Don’t you dare look down on my Sister, Father’s proud of her: My God saves prostitutes.
The Key to Every Heart
Love At First Sight
One day sitting opposite me in an Asian cafe, I noticed a Chinese prostitute. Pretty, bruised, and grubby. The Lord prompted me to tell her about Him. So I made eye-contact and said, ‘Jesus loves you Miss.’
Who is Jesus? came the staggering reply.
In a town with lots of Christians, here was a woman who had never even heard His Name in Chinese or English. What an honour to introduce Him to sinners. I began to tell about Jesus, and what He’d done for her. She responded hesitantly, as though it was too good to be true, because men had hurt her many times. Eventually, she asked pensively,
How do I know I can trust this… Jesus?
That really brought a lump to my throat. I asked the Lord for help not to ruin this God-given opportunity. I showed her gently how she could ask Him to convince her of His love and faithfulness. Gave her a copy of that wonderful soulwinning tract, A Love Story, in Chinese. Then I simply left the two of them. Jesus and the prostitute. He loves them you know; He really loves them.
That’s what He wants you to tell them.
Will you?
<< Chick Tract based on Rahab the Prostitute
Tract image © Chick Publns. Used by permission.
© 05 Colin Melbourne
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