The Story of Rahab the Harlot

Imperfectly purposed—everyone has a purpose

Purpose—believe it or not, everyone has a purpose in this world. No doubt, some of you may be thinking, “After all of the bad choices I've made, there is no way God has purposed me for anything.” Well, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Modern English Version says this, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...” Now, I'm here to tell you; God loves you and HE is not holding those bad choices against you. Why—because you are indeed imperfectly purposed to do something great. Hence, this episode title; Imperfectly Purposed—The Story of Rahab the Harlot. 

Imperfectly purposed—destined for greatness 

In general, there are those who think one must be the picture of perfection before walking in his or her purpose. But that is far from the truth. Throughout the bible, God purposed flawed people. With HIS help, they fulfilled their purpose and did great things because they were imperfectly purposed. And ‘Rahab the harlot’ in Joshua chapter 2 was one of those people. 

That is to say, she helped Joshua's spies in two ways. First, she gave them a place to stay while they explored the land of Canaan and the city of Jericho. And second, she hid the spies when the king of Jericho sent men to her home looking for them. Put very simply, by helping the spies, she put her life and the lives of her family in great danger. “But why?” Because she trusted that Joshua would spare her family when he and the people of Israel came to take the land. 

I know you still may be thinking, “Okay, she helped Joshua's spies.” “But that doesn't seem like much of a purpose.” Nonetheless, Rahab was imperfectly purposed and a part of God's plan because Jesus came from her bloodline. 

Imperfectly purposed—what does God see 

Listen, it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done--you are imperfectly purposed. Moreover, God loves you. In fact, John 3:16 The Passion Translation puts it this way, 

“For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.” 

God loves us so much that David even inquired about why in Psalm 8:4. The Easy-to-Read Version says, “And I wonder, “Why are people so important to you? Why do you even think about them? Why do you care so much about humans? Why do you even notice them?” 

The following two scriptures also remind us of how God sees us. Psalm 139:14 English Standard Version says, "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." And