Philippians 3:13
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind I reach forward to those things which are ahead.”
How ironic that 40 years earlier, after being freed from the bondage of slavery, Moses sent out twelve spies. Only two returned with a positive report and urged them to go in immediately to possess the land God had given them. One of those two spies was Joshua, the other was Caleb. Upon Moses’s death Joshua assumes leadership and sends out only two spies to Jericho.
Let’s consider a sinner that is introduced in the book of Joshua. If we were to use an investigative technique, here is what we would find: Name:Rahab. Address: Jericho. Occupation: Prostitute.
That is basically all we know about this “woman of the night.”
Rahab and her family were spared when Israel defeated Jericho. She did not look back on her sordid past. She took a risk to save the Israelites and God blessed her for it. In Hebrews 11:31 she is mentioned along with the faithful of the ages. In James 2:25-26 she is considered righteous in the eyes of God.
When God’s Word says our sins are forgiven, does that mean we are free or do we carry the terrible burden of sin with us? I fear that there are many who actually receive God’s forgiveness but fail to recognize that He also cleanses (I John 1:9).
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil