Rahab

How many 13th disciples have you already discovered as we have engaged with the idea of discovering what a disciple of Jesus looks like?

Rahab is another one I discovered this morning with a unique twist.

And the city and all that is within it shall be devoted to the Lord for destruction.^[e] Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. – Joshua 6:17

I never thought of this before – but Rahab could have left with the spies and saved herself too. She didn’t – she stayed so that her and her family could be saved. She loved her family and wanted them to be set free too. What an encouragement to me to keep praying for my family members who have yet to experience the good news of Jesus. I pray that they will see my love for them.

If I truly believe that my walk with Jesus looks like I love God and love people then those principles should affect my beliefs and behaviours. It is my deepest prayer that my real life changes and that I realize God’s kingdom objectives.  I have expectations when I enter a relationship, start a new job, read a book, attend a course, enrol in a class or enter a training program. If I had to name one key learning objective I hope will be realized in my experience it is this one.

And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” – Mark 5:19  ESV

In fact, I could name the demonic as another 13th disciple too. There is so much of work to be done to extend the Kingdom of God. Am I ready to be the next disciple?

Here is a prayer that works for me when life seems like it’s not.

Save me, O God!
    For the waters have come up to my neck.^[a]
 I sink in deep mire,
    where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters,
    and the flood sweeps over me.
 I am weary with my crying out;
    my throat is parched.
My eyes grow dim
    with waiting for my God.                     Psalm 69:1-3  ESV