Read: Joshua 6:17-25
But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. (v. 25)
The story is told about the time that legendary jazz musician Thelonious Monk had a friend over to his home and was listening to music on the radio. The friend, obviously unimpressed with the quality of the performers, asked Monk if he liked it. Monk remained quiet for a while, and then replied: “Listen to the drummer. Check out his brush work.” Even in the midst of what seemed to be a poor performance, Monk could see and focus on something beautiful.
It would have been easy to overlook Rahab. She was a member of a Gentile culture and, as a prostitute, was considered to be at the bottom of the social caste. But God saw something beautiful in Rahab and, by his grace, selected her to be the vehicle by which God’s people were saved. Not only that, but God demonstrated even more of his grace toward Rahab by sparing her entire family (Joshua 6), highlighting her as a person of faith (Hebrews 11:31), and incorporating her into the ancestry of Christ (Matthew 1:5-16).
It’s easy to become discouraged at mistakes we have made and chaos we have created. But thanks be to God for looking past our failures, seeing us in the light of Christ’s sacrifice, and extending his grace to make something beautiful out of our lives. —Duane T. Loynes Sr.
As you pray, give God your ashes in exchange for his beauty (Isaiah 61:3).
About the Author
Dr. Duane T. Loynes Sr. is a professor of Urban Studies and Africana Studies at Rhodes College. He resides in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife Ericka and their son Duane Jr., and is an active member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
