Rahab.

Rahab's faith was that of a Gentile, someone not of God's anointed priesthood, who chooses to assist God's saints. It always has been true that whoever gives a prophet a cup of cold water in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. We think that in the coming days many unsaved people will be blessed by the Lord and receive eternal life because they have helped the Lord's brothers in their time of need.

Rahab had heard from the people of the trading caravans about the acts of Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews. She heard and she believed. She received the two spies sent out by Joshua. She disobeyed the king of Jericho and lied to his messengers because of her faith in the Lord of Israel. She and her family were saved from destruction. Rahab married Salmon, becoming an ancestor of King David.

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets.

And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Hebrews 11:32-34)

The story of Gideon tells us that God uses reluctant people. Gideon was afraid to do what God commanded, but he obeyed after God proved to him it was really God who was speaking to him and victory was assured. We do not have to step out into the dark when we are nervous and afraid. When God wants us to do something we always are permitted to test the spirits, to ask God to make His will so simple and clear to us we can move forward with confidence.

If we feel that God is directing us to do something, and the feeling is accompanied by fear, haste, confusion, we need to slow down and pray more. God may be near but Satan may be attempting to become involved. We are not to be lazy and disobedient, not praying, not gathering with the saints. But neither are we to rush ahead in enthusiasm or confusion, attempting to force people or circumstances.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17,18)

Barak was an example of an individual who hears God's will from someone else, in this instance Deborah, the prophetess. Barak chose to have faith in Deborah's word and with her encouragement was able to win a great victory for Israel.

It appears that Samson was not of unusual size. No mention is made in the account that his appearance was overpowering. His strength was that of the Holy Spirit. Samson had an unusual gift and he operated it by faith in the Lord.

Samson lost his strength when he permitted Delilah to cut his hair, thus breaking his Nazirite vow of separation to the Lord. It is true of us also that the anointing we have will be removed if we do not keep away from the practices of the present evil world. He who would walk in faith must be separate from the world, set apart as holy to the Lord.

To be continued.