welcome
What sort of impression do you feel you give to others?
worship
For this next series, we are going to complement our theme of four women in the Bible by using our Worship section to look at four songs or prayers in the Bible by women. Today we will start with Miriam and Moses’ song in Exodus 15.
Use this as a basis for your own worship to God.
word
read
Rahab, a prostitute, lives in Jericho. Her house is built right into the city wall and, as people come and go, she hears many stories, news, and gossip. Her house is a ‘passing through’ place and she interacts with all sorts of people, cultures, races and religions.
Ask yourselves: are you interested in meeting and interacting with a wide variety of people or do you move in a narrow circle with those of the same race, same values and same beliefs?
Rahab has heard the stories of what God has done for Israel. When the spies knock on her door and ask for help her choice is so difficult: to help them means she must betray her own people.
discuss
Were the spies ‘divinely led’ to Rahab’s door, or was it a coincidence, or expediency?
questions
- If following God meant the betrayal or disowning of your own people would you display Rahab’s courage?
- Would you risk your own reputation by befriending those with questionable lifestyles and practices?
- Are there times when, like the spies, we need to ask for help rather than always offering it? (Remember, Jesus first asked the Samaritan woman for a drink.)
Rahab used her position, her knowledge, her house, and her influence to save the spies – but she lied.
question
Are there times when it is permissible to be less than truthful?
In return for her help, she is given a promise that if a red cord is visible on the wall of her house she and all her family will be spared. The red cord marks out the ‘red light’ area in major world cities today, but sexuality is not the issue here. Rahab heard the word of God from Israelite spies and her response was, “let is be as you say.” She is honoured for her faith (Hebrews 11:31); she and her family are saved; she becomes a vital part of the Israelite nation as well as great great grandmother to David and an ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Our past need never disqualify us from going for God.
Do any of you know anyone with a ‘disreputable’ past who is now being used by God?
Application
Are there things in our own lives which we feel can hold us back from giving God our all?
Share as we feel able, and then pray for one another.
witness
Are you putting on an event for your friends soon? Discuss, plan and pray together.
