I hope last Sunday's message on Joshua's servant heart and obedient leadership encouraged you. Joshua, as Moses' successor, points to Jesus' servanthood under the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Jesus has a better ministry as the mediator of a better covenant with better promises—showing what God accomplished through the cross.
In this Lenten season before Holy Week, let's look at a key lesson from Joshua's life: faith in action (Joshua 2).
Who here would say your faith gets tested? Is your faith just blind trust, or is it rooted in truth (Hebrews 11:1)?
Imagine a young child, later a teen, who sneaks behind their home into the woods. There, they build a simple wooden cross and altar. They kneel to pray, think, and remember God's faithfulness—whether in church or alone in the wild. That's faith in action: seeking God in tough times, where the Bible brings new light to old stories. Even when we don't fully get it, God provides—just like He did for Joshua and His people.
The Story of Rahab and the Spies
God sovereignly directed Joshua to send two spies from Shittim to check out Jericho (Joshua 2:1). This wasn't pointless; it followed Moses' example (Deuteronomy 1:22) and was different from the failed mission of the twelve fearful spies (Numbers 13). Briefly, in Numbers 13, Moses dispatched twelve spies into the Promised Land at the people's urging, where they confirmed its fruitfulness—"flowing with milk and honey" (v. 27, NKJV). However, ten spies brought an evil report of insurmountable giants and fortified cities (vv. 28-33), spreading fear reversing God’s promise of possession (Genesis 15:18), causing the people to lose their faith in God. They believed in a lie. In judgment (Numbers 14:26-35), God vowed that this unbelieving generation would wander forty years in the wilderness—one year for each day of spying (14:34)—barring them from inheritance while granting it to their faithful children, Caleb, and Joshua. Faith in Action.
So back to Jericho, God’s providence led the two spies to a woman’s house named Rahab's, where the scripture unequivocally identifies her as a prostitute. When the king's men chased them, Rahab hid the spies under flax on her roof and misled the officers (vv. 4-7). Notice, from this action alone how Christ Himself redeems everyday sinners for His work (Matthew 9:10-13 It is not the healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice’). Faith in Action.
Now Rahab, confessed to the spies:
> “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us... For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea... And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted” (Joshua 2:9-11, NKJV).
News of God's power—the Red Sea parting (Exodus 14) and victories over kings (Numbers 21)—had reached even pagans, sparking quiet faith. What God has done, cannot be withheld friends. When we think for one minute, God’s sustenance is not sustainable, God’s words are not trustworthy, God’s provisions are not applicable, we must remember Rahab’s example that indeed, God’s power will prevail as it always has. In the great city of Jericho and throughout the region of Judea and the world even, God prepared their hearts. The spies promised to protect Rahab and her family if she stayed quiet (vv. 12-14).
Rahab let them down by a rope and received this promise:
> “Bind this line of scarlet cord in the window... and they shall live... whoever goes out... his blood shall be on his own head” (Joshua 2:18-19, NKJV).
That scarlet cord symbolized blood protection, like the Passover (Exodus 12:13). It saved her family from Jericho's destruction (Deuteronomy 20:17). To another point the scarlet cord points ahead to Jesus' blood (Hebrews 9:14) and even places Rahab in His family tree (Matthew 1:5). Rahab shows saving faith: from a life of sin to true godliness, proven by her actions (James 2:25; Hebrews 11:31).
Rahab, like Joshua, is God's example of faith in action—using ordinary people like you and me to share His message and serve Him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong). The spies hid for three days, then returned to Joshua:
> “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hand; moreover, all the inhabitants... are fainthearted because of us” (Joshua 2:24, NKJV).
This built Israel's courage for victory, much like Jesus' death led to resurrection power (Colossians 2:15).
This time in Lent Beloved, it should always remind us of what the cross is. Where does fear and doubt hold you back? Rahab took risks; the spies moved forward. Jesus, our perfect Servant, faced death for us (Philippians 2:5-8). While we should always know Faith isn't passive—as James 2:17 says: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” God wants faithfulness from us.
Here are four simple ways to live out faith in action:
1. Faith Requires Action
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). It's not sitting still—it means stepping out. The spies acted on God's promise, and Rahab's faith saved her family.
Think of George Müller, who cared for orphans without asking for money. In 1836, he started with 30 kids, growing to over 2,000 by 1870 and 10,000 over his life. God always provided for these children.
2. Trust God’s Plan in Unexpected Ways
Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the LORD... and He shall direct your paths.” Rahab saw God's power; the spies trusted her in the unknown.
Corrie ten Boom hid Jews from Nazis, got arrested, and ended up in a prison camp. After the war, God led her to forgive her guard. Her story in the book ‘The Hiding Place’ touched millions. She said, “No pit is so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” Like Joseph in Egypt or Paul being shipwrecked (Acts 27:24).
3. Overcome Fear with Faith
Fear stops us, but faith pushes us forward. 2 Timothy 1:7 promises: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Rahab stood against her king; the spies escaped danger.
Harriet Tubman escaped slavery, then risked her life 13 times to free 70 others via the Underground Railroad—despite health issues and a huge reward on her head. She said, “I never ran my train off the track.” Like David against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37).
4. Faith Impacts Others
Rahab's faith stands out in this second chapter. God uses anyone faithful. Her actions changed the story and saved lives—like a stone rippling a pond (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Billy Graham's mother read the Bible and prayed daily. Her quiet faith led to his salvation at age 16 and his ministry that reached millions. He said, “All I have ever done, I owe to my mother.”
Closing Challenge
Remember Jesus came to save us all. Live by faith, like Cornelius, whose faith saved his whole household (Acts 10). One person's faith can change many lives. You will make that impact not just in your life but others.
This week: Pick one step of faith—share the gospel, forgive someone, give generously—and trust God's plan (Proverbs 3:5-6). Like that child at the mountain altar, act in your own wilderness.
With God, victory is sure as Jesus tells us (Matthew 17:20) “Because of your meager faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”. May Lent deepen this truth: from Rahab’s scarlet cord to the blood of Calvary, faith acts in the shadow of Christ. Amen.