Rahab

I taught Sunday School today.  The scriptural basis was Joshua 2 -- the story of Rahab and the two spies.  I like the story; it has some surprising aspects:

• It's a story about sharing your faith.  Rahab's faith is formed by what she has heard about the actions of God.  She shares her faith with the spies.  It strengthens their confidence in what God will do.  They return to Joshua, and share their confidence in the success of God's plan.
• It is a story about faith and redemption.  Even through God has commanded them to kill all of the Canaanites, they spare Rahab and her family.
• It is a story about God's use of the unexpected outsiders.  Rahab is a Canannite, a harlot, and a woman, and yet she is the heroine of the story.
• It is a story about God's love for the marginalized.  She lives on the margin of the city -- in the city wall -- as far from protection as possible (thanks to Marcia for the thought).