Unswerving Allegiance

Joshua 1:8-14 (from the NET Bible)

2:8 Now before the spies went to sleep, Rahab went up to the roof. 2:9 She said to the men, “I know the Lord is handing this land over to you. We are absolutely terrified of you, and all who live in the land are cringing before you. 2:10For we heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you left Egypt and how you annihilated the two Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, on the other side of the Jordan. 2:11 When we heard the news we lost our courage and no one could even breathe for fear of you. For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below! 2:12 So now, promise me this with an oath sworn in the Lord’s name. Because I have shown allegiance to you, show allegiance to my family. Give me a solemn pledge 2:13 that you will spare the lives of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all who belong to them, and rescue us from death.” 2:14 The men said to her, “If you die, may we die too! If you do not report what we’ve been up to, then, when the Lord hands the land over to us, we will show unswerving allegiance to you.”

Let’s make a deal, Rahab!

1. What happened in the text?
2. What do I learn about God?
3. What should I do about it?

1. What happened in the text?
   • Somehow, the spies were apparently going to sleep. Braver men than I!
   • Rahab went to them, saying she knew God was giving them the land
   • Rahab and her people are terrified because they’ve heard about the Red Sea and Sihon and Og
   • They’re breathless with fear
   • Rahab asserts that “the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below!”
   • She wants them to swear by God that they will show allegiance to Rahab’s family
   • They are to pledge to spare her families’ lives
   • The spies respond that as it goes with her, it will go with them
   • As long as she doesn’t rat on them, they’ll be true to her, too
2. What do I learn about God?
   • People are impressed when He does mighty things
   • He does things that people talk about
   • Those who see his power respond … in one way or another
   • Whatever my issue, the God of heaven and earth is amply big enough
3. What should I do about it?
   • Expect God to glorify himself, rather than expecting that I’ll be glorified
   • Recognize that God is working in the background
   • Look for people who want to join God’s team and work with them.