ODJ: Remade

October 14, 2016 

READ: Hebrews 11:30-40 

It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God (v.31).

Vancouver, Canada, artist Wendy Tsao transformed some popular dolls into worthy role models for young girls. Straight out of the box, the dolls wore revealing clothes and heavy makeup. But Tsao removed the eye shadow and lipstick. She stitched new outfits to match the new identities she gave the dolls. Tsao recreated one doll to be Jane Goodall, a famous wildlife scientist. Another became Dr. Roberta Bondar, the first female Canadian astronaut.

Rahab, a prostitute who lived in Jericho, had a similar transformation. When a pair of spies knocked on her door, her change began (James 2:25). She knew the spies were members of God’s special nation Israel, but she hid them and negotiated for the lives of her family during the upcoming battle (Joshua 2).

After the Israelites demolished Jericho, Rahab joined their nation. She married a Jewish man named Salmon. The couple had a son named Boaz and Rahab became part of the lineage of Jesus! (Matthew 1:5). None of this would have been possible without faith. The writer of Hebrews included Rahab in a list of people who were known for their belief in God. “It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God” (Hebrews 11:31).

Do any areas of your life need to be remade? Can you imagine being free of anxiety, doubt, or addiction? If we put our faith in ourselves—in our own willpower or ability to change—we’ll be disappointed. But by trusting in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can have victory over the sin and fear that plagues us. Jesus helps us become more like Him as we sincerely seek His ways. Through faith in God, even our weaknesses can be turned into strength! (v.34).

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day plan: Acts 5:17-42