Rahab: The Prodigal Daughter

"I am the Lord God who heals you". -Exodus 15:26

Can people change? Most Christians know the story of the prodigal son; the one who comes back from spending his early inheritance later to be welcomed back by his father, however, he is not the only example of a person’s life being completely altered by God. Rahab was a prostitute who lived in Jericho. Rahab had heard about all the miracles God was performing for his chosen people from the hustle of the city, and many likely from her customers. When two spies were sent by Joshua into Jericho, Rahab hid.

Later on in the day, the King of Jericho sent a messenger to Rahab asking her if she had seen the spies. She lied to the messenger saying that they had already left and they should hurry if they want to catch them. When the messengers left, she told the spies that she had saved their lives and in return she wanted her household to be spared when the Israelites raided and killed the city. They agreed and handed a scarlet cord for her to hang outside of her house during their raid and their lives would be spared. Then, seven days later, the entire city was destroyed except for this single household. Her family then became part of the Chosen People, the ancestors of Jesus Christ.

Even though Rahab was living in sin, God still used her the way she was, at that second. God didn’t wait until Rahab cleaned up her act to use her. God can use you right now, even if you are at the worst part of your eating disorder. Think about this; Rahab was desperate and wanted to be saved, don’t you.