But Rahab the prostitute and her father’s household and all who belonged to her, Joshua saved alive. And she has lived in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. Joshua 6:25
I still occasionally run into those whom I’ve not seen since before I got sober. They knew me back then though, and I know they heard about my addiction and downfall. I try not to spend a lot of time contemplating what others think of me, but in those moments, I’ve got to wonder – What are they thinking? I doubt very much that anyone in that situation doesn’t immediately recall that I lost my job due to an addiction. I’m sure there are those who still look down on me, but often, as I’m wondering what that other person might be thinking, they’ll tell me in a roundabout way. I bought your book. I don’t struggle with drug addiction, but we all struggle with something. No, they’ll never forget where I’ve been. They’ll always know me for my addiction, but they also know me now for my faith and recovery – for how God has transformed my life.
Today’s passage tells of a similar situation. In the story, when Jericho fell to the Israelites, only one family made it out alive – the family of Rahab the prostitute. If you do an internet search on Rahab, you’ll find that almost every Bible reference to her includes her name, followed by, the prostitute. It’s almost as if it’s her last name. Rahab did apparently leave her life or prostitution, married an Israelite, and became part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Still though, she is known throughout scripture for her former life. The fact that she is known at all though, reveals that she is known for something else. In the New Testament, she is mentioned twice as a hero of faith for saving the two Israelite spies. For her faith, God saved her and her family. So now, the perpetual reference to Rahab’s former occupation serves to emphasize how God transformed her life.
I’ve had a bad reputation. I lost my job due to my addiction. There’s no erasing that and no one who was there is going to forget it. I don’t have to be known only for that disaster though. My reputation is my choice. Yes, others will always remember my addiction, but if I choose, they can also know me for how I’ve responded – for my faith and recovery. Now, remembering my addiction serves as a reference to my former life, pointing to how much God has transformed me. And for that, I’m profoundly grateful.