God Changes Labels
In the book of Joshua we are introduced to Rahab, a woman with a label that follows her through much of the Bible: ‘Rahab the prostitute’. It is a title that could easily overshadow everything else about her. Yet, as we trace her story through Scripture, particularly in the genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew, we witness a remarkable transformation. Matthew 1:5 tells us that Rahab became the mother of Boaz, making her the great-grandmother of King David, and ultimately, part of the lineage of the Messiah. Rahab’s life stands as a powerful testimony to the fact that God changes labels and rewrites stories in ways we could never imagine. In fact, her name is recorded in the Hebrews 11 ‘Hall of Faith’.
Rahab lived in Jericho, a city marked for destruction as the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Despite her marginalised position in society, Rahab displayed incredible faith. When two Israelite spies came to scout the city, she risked her life to hide them from the king’s men. Rahab had heard of the mighty works God had done for Israel, and she believed that the Lord had indeed given them the land.
In Joshua 2:11, Rahab makes a bold declaration of faith: “For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below”. This was a profound statement from a woman often dismissed and judged by her society. In this moment, Rahab professed her faith in the God of Israel.
Rahab’s Faith Defined Her, Not Her Past
Rahab’s faith set her apart. Her transformation did not come through her own efforts but through the grace of God, which met her in her faith. This reminds us that no matter how broken or disqualified we may feel, faith in God has the power to change everything.
Rahab’s defining characteristic became her faith - not her past or her profession, but her belief in the living God. It was this faith that led to her salvation and the salvation of her family when Jericho was destroyed.
From Shame to Honour
What a stunning transformation. The woman once labelled as ‘Rahab the prostitute’ became ‘Rahab the ancestor of Jesus’. This is not just a story of survival but of redemption. God didn’t merely spare Rahab’s life; He wove her into the most significant story of all time. Her past did not disqualify her from being part of God’s divine plan. Instead, God took her past, redeemed it, and used it to showcase His grace and mercy.
Our New Story in Christ
Rahab’s story foreshadows the message of the gospel. Like her, we all carry pasts that could label us, but Jesus came to redeem us. He came to take our brokenness, shame, and failures and replace them with grace, love, and a new identity.
One of the most powerful lessons we can learn from Rahab’s story is that God changes labels. The world may define us by our past mistakes, weaknesses, or failures. Rahab was given a label that seemed to define her entire existence, but God saw her differently. He saw her faith, courage, and potential for something greater. And that is what He used to write a new story for her life.
In the same way, God changes our labels. He does not define us by our mistakes or by how others perceive us. Instead, He calls us His children, His chosen, and His beloved. Through Christ, we receive a new identity. Just as Rahab’s story was rewritten, so too can ours be.
This is the heart of Rahab’s story and in many ways at the heart of the gospel itself. God is in the business of rewriting stories. What may seem like a life destined for destruction can be redeemed, renewed, and used for His glory. If you have ever felt defined by your past or trapped by the labels the world has placed on you, remember Rahab. God is the author of new beginnings, and He is always ready to write a new chapter in your life - one of redemption, hope, and eternal purpose.