Before Joshua took the city of Jericho for the Israelites, he secretly sent spies into the city. The Pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, in his talk on Sunday evening commented that Christians, like Joshua, need to be wise and careful, even if they are sure God is with them. He quoted a Persian proverb: 'trust in God, but tie up your camel' and continued with two funny stories showing the importance of adding common sense to faith. Wisely, Joshua sent the spies to Rahab. She had a house right by the city wall, and as a prostitute the arrival of strangers should have gone unnoticed - nevertheless, they were detected. But Rahab believed what she had heard about the God of Israel and the miracles of the past. She said to the men, "I know that the Lord has given the land to you and there is a great fear...the Lord your God is God in heaven and earth." Rahab hid the spies, sent the king's men on a wild goose chase and issued instructions for a safe escape. But was she wrong in lying to the king's men? Peter said she was justified, because she was saving their lives - just like the midwives in Egypt in the days when Moses was born, who were blessed because they lied to Pharaoh and did not destroy the newborn Israelite boys. Despite her occupation, Rahab of Jericho was listed among the great people in Hebrews 11 because she exercised her faith. She welcomed the spies with a greeting of peace. The spies agreed to spare her and her family when the city was conquered, and a red cord in the window was used as the sign of her presence and allegiance. The site of Jericho has since been excavated, and on the north side a small stretch of the city walls were found to be in-tact - a mud brick wall over eight feet, overlooking the Judean hills. Unfortunately there was no sign of the red cord! Hesed Christian Fellowship meets again this Sunday for a service of music, prayer, encouragement and teaching. The service takes place at the Avenue Centre in Greenhill Avenue, near Tenby Library. You can visit http://www.hesed.co.uk">www.hesed.co.uk for more information.
