Rehab’s Redemption

Josh. 2:1

Joshua w/ children of Israel:

 

·        @ the shores of the Jordan river

·        normally about 30 ft wide

·        at this time it was flood time swelling banks

·        1 ½ mile wide, 40 ft deep

But now it was their time to enter their Promised Land.  One of the greatest moments in human history.

Every moment illustrated our redemption story.

 

Jericho-                    

Joshua sent two men into the city.

·        There was no military reason for Joshua to send them.

·        He knew God was going to give him the city by miraculous means.

·        The two men went in as spies.

·        God knew why.

There was a woman in Jericho.

She wasn’t holy- she was a harlot.

 

The worth of a soul.

The worth of a woman back then vs. now.

She was a harlot.

Doomed race, doomed city- headed for destruction

Talk about the most important thing in humanity- salvation

Some theologians have speculated that she was forced into prostitution through temple.

Heb/Greek contrary to that.

Hurt and pain of sin has left its mark.  Sadness

Life was doomed.  Many around us in the same state.  Don’t waste our service times/life in frivolous things.  We have the answer.

We write people off too easy.

God never writes anyone off.

God’s business has been and will always be the salvation of souls.  This church remains in the same business.

(When He reached down his hand for me.)

Satan may have had hell all fired up for you but God stopped the      procession.

Jesus reached down in love and rescued you.  (He rescued me)

He brought me out.

Once a sinner far from Jesus. ( Hallelujah Side)

I’ve got that old time religion in my heart way down inside.

In Christ Alone.

Spies led to her house.

God didn’t lead them to the riches and fame but to a harlot.

She had a need and they had the answer.

Through their discussion she found out why they were there.

“We have heard about your testimony.”  The Red Sea.  It was common knowledge in all of Jericho.

Water out of the rock.

Only one woman took it seriously.

One soul was enough.

God stopped the entire army (approx. 3 million people) to send two men to minister to one harlot.

Gave her hope

Gave her a promise

Why did she say yes when everyone else could have cared less.

Heard it over and over again but not affected/moved.

Hardened hearts

Hasn’t felt God in months when others around are stirred.

There were probably many others in the city morally better than she was.

God doesn’t respond to how good or evil you are but to your    faith.

Church to often has it backwards.  Places God in the same boat.  Our righteousness is as filthy rags.

If there is a heaven- I am going there because I am good.  “brownie     point”

• BY FAITH THROUGH GRACE

 

Why did you say Yes to God and some next to you (family) reject God?

Same message- same pew

Rahab-

When you come into the city- give me a token that God will accept      me and be spared

Hang a red cord out of the window.

Salvation is a simple thing.-  Whosoever calls on my name.

She didn’t have to do anything but trust in the man’s word and what the       cord signified.

It signified the cross but she couldn’t understand that.

She had no idea that she would be in the bloodline of the redeemer of man.

The power of the blood lasts forever.  Living for God.

When you say Yes to God everything is just details.  I’ll give you life. An heir if God, joint heir with Jesus.

Living for God is not some dry dead stuck in the mud lifestyle. It’s righteousness, joy and peace in the HG.  Joy unspeakable…

“Since my burdens rolled.”         Vs        “Crying time again”

“Redeemed how I love to proclaim it.”

Rehab:

What about my family?

Bring them into this room.  They’ll be saved too as long as they stay here.

What must I do to be saved?

“and thy house.”

Rehab went to her family and compelled them to all come.

Why? Look over there.

We’re getting ready to fight them.       You’d better forget it.

That’s God’s army and there is nothing that can stop them.

That’s them that know a lot about the miraculous.

Everything’s going down

But two men (Blood of the lamb, word of their testimony) came to me and told me about this cord.

When they see it we’ll be spared.

This part of the wall won’t be touched.

I like it here. I’ll sleep in the corner.

Day came-

They watched in the distance.

They saw the priests pick up the crewed looking box.

Joshua gave the command to march.

No bridge there, Josh.  No boats.  Deep waters.  Too long across.

Priests were types of Christ.  When they touched the waters they rolled back. Jordan opened up.

Everything says no but God says yes.  They’ve been here before.

Get 7 priests w/ seven horns.  In front— worship.

They all watched the show from the window.

What’s going on?

They’re just marching.

They only heard their feet marching.

Seventh day:

Aunt Rehab-  That wall is falling over there.  We’re shaking a little bit.

Rehab-  Just keep your eyes on the cord.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.

The two men who visited before- came back to get her and her family.

Escorted them out.

The red cord saved them and the blood saves you today.

Get into the house and apply the blood.

They knew about applying the blood and how important it was.

Passover.

Safe as long as they stayed in the home.  Sheltered by the blood.

WHEN HE REACHED DOWN HIS HAND FOR ME
by G. E. Wright

1. Once my soul was astray from the heavenly way,
And was wretched and vile as could be;
But my Saviour above, gave me peace from above,
When He reached down His hand for me.

REFRAIN:
When my Saviour reached down for me,
When He reached down His hand for me;
I was lost and undone without God or His Son,
When He reached down His hand for me.

2. I was near to despair when He came to me there,
And He showed me that I could be free;
Then He lifted my feet, gave me gladness complete,
When He reached down His hand for me.

3. How my heart doth rejoice when I hear His sweet voice
In the tempest to Him now I flee;
There to lean on His arm, where I’m safe from all harm.
Since He reached down His hand for me.

Redeemed
hymn by Fanny J. Crosby tune by William J. Kirkpatrick

1. Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb:
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

REFRAIN:
Redeemed,
Redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed,
Redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

2. Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

3. I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent,
His love is the theme of my song.

4. I know I shall see in His beauty,
The King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

5. I know there’s a crown that is waiting
In yonder bright mansion for me;
And soon with the spirits-made-perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.