Bible Reading: Ezekiel 3, 4; Hebrews 11:21-40
Matthew 21:31
“Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him the first. Jesus saith unto them, verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of heaven before you” – Matthew 21:31 (KJV)
The society is full with people of questionable characters and we meet these set of people almost every day. Drug addicts, thugs, garage boys, prostitute and the like are among those with despicable lifestyle in our world. Interestingly, these set of people have always been around and not just common to our days and times. They were also popular during the days of Jesus Christ because Christ, when drawing home the parable of the two sons whose father sent to his vineyard made mention of prostitute. He says: “…Assuredly I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you” Matt. 21:31 (NKJV)
Rahab in the Old Testament was a perfect example of the reason why we should never despise them but rather see them always as potential kingdom people if only we play our God-given roles by praying for them, organising our sisters who are passionate through training to reach out to the female prostitutes and drug addicts, while brothers who have similar passion are enrolled to handle their male counterpart. We should without delay heed the warning of God to Prophet Ezekiel: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die’, and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand” – Ezekiel 3:17-18 (NKJV)
You are a watchman and not a judge over them. Rahab did not perish with others by faith. She said:”…For we have heard… the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” – Joshua 2:10-11. She heard and confessed, thus aligned completely with Yahweh. Folks, God is still interested in saving many ‘Rahabs’ through you and that is only possible when you stop despising them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to do my part in reaching out to those that have been labelled in the society in Jesus name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole