Rahab: Rescued And Redeemed

Cornerstone Church

November 2, 2014

“Rahab – Rescued and Redeemed”

Joshua 2

“In Genesis 18:25, Abraham asked a question that puts things in perspective: ‘Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ As humans, we recoil from the concept of judgment. We question why God would condemn the world. We wonder about those who have never heard the message of the Gospel. We can’t fully understand the presence of evil in the universe or the suffering that fills our world. Sometimes we’re uncomfortable with the Biblical concepts of God’s wrath, vengeance, and judgment.

In the end, we will come to Abraham’s conclusion in Genesis: The Judge of all the earth will do right. We’ll agree with the angels in Revelation: ‘True and Righteous are His judgments.’ God’s wisdom knows how to handle sin; and His purity demands its condemnation. His grace is extended to us fully and freely, and His cross frees us from condemnation.

Without the judgment of God, sin and suffering would be unhindered, unfettered, and unending. God’s judgment is certain, but it’s wise in its application and crucial for our happiness. We can praise Him for His judgments, for the Judge of all the world will do right.”

Today’s Turning Point: “The Judge of All the Earth” by Dr. David Jeremiah, October 28, 2014

The Judge of all the world will do right!

As Christians we hold to this truth that comes from our belief and knowledge of the absolute sovereignty of God and what we know about His attributes.

We know He is Holy, Righteous and Just as well as merciful, righteous, good, kind and gracious.

It is because He is omnipotent (all-powerful) and in complete control that we know He will do what is right.

On a daily basis we see so much hatred, violence, sin and injustice that we wonder how much more can be stuffed into the cup that is overflowing before God’s wrath or judgment falls?

* We long for justice. This is good!

* We may even call out or cry out for judgment. How long Lord can this continue?

* What I have observed over the years is that we want judgment to come, well for everyone else but ourselves!

* We want grace!

* We want mercy!

* For everyone else – judgment and justice!

JUDGMENT IS COMING!

We, however, need to be very careful to not miss what God is doing in the world!

Nor do we want to shirk or shrink back from fulfilling what He has commanded us to do before He returns which is proclaiming the Gospel and “making disciples” before He returns.

Judgment is coming but see God’s heart!

2Pet. 3:9 NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1Tim. 2:3-4 NIV This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Outline:

I. An Unlikely Background

II. An Unexpected Act of Kindness – Joshua 2:1-7

III. An Amazing Expression of Faith – Joshua 2:8-14

IV. An Enduring Legacy – Matthew 1:5-6; Hebrews 11:31; James 5:26

Outline taken and expanded from: “Twelve Extraordinary Women” by John MacArthur, Jr.

I. AN UNLIKELY BACKGROUND

THE BACKDROP

God is about to fulfill His promise to Abraham to lead him into land that He would show him and make him (his descendants) into a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).

The Fulfillment to this promise is nearly 700 years in the making. This promise was believed and passed on to:

* Isaac

* Jacob (Israel) 12 sons – 12 Tribes)

* Joseph

Joseph believed the Promise so strongly that he wanted his body exhumed when they would one day leave Egypt.

Gen. 50:24-25 NIV Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”

The Children of Israel spent 400 years as slaves in Egypt.

After Moses was raised up by God to deliver the Children of Israel from Egypt and they departed, they were led into the Wilderness to wander for 40 years because of unbelief.

Now they are ready to enter the Promised Land! There is just one problem!

People already inhabited the Promised Land that God was giving to His people:

* Canaanites

* Hittites

* Hivites

* Perizzites

* Girgashites

* Amorites

* Jebusites

God was fulfilling His promise and bringing judgment.