Pretty Woman – 2 February 2009
Yes, this week we’re off to the movies. For someone who doesn’t watch much telly it is odd that God uses analogies through films to encourage me on my spiritual journey, but that’s Gods humour!
I am sure most of you will know this film, a fairytale story of a Hollywood Hooker who meets her Knight in Shining Armour after a lifetime of liaisons with in Tinfoil !
I was challenged by the clip where Richard Gere gives Julia Roberts money to buy some pretty clothes, she walks into an expensive boutique in her ‘work clothes’, she clearly does not make the grade and the condescending staff refuse to serve her and leave her feeling humiliated. What if she had walked into church? How would we respond? How would God respond? Thankfully God sees more than outward appearances!
This brings me to the story of Rahab: Joshua 2:1 “Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, “Go look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.”
I am sure you know this story, in return for hiding the spies Rahab and her entire household escape destruction, there are loads of gems in this great story, but what I love most is how God uses the most unlikely people – and a crimson cord!
Many would assume that Rahab, a pagan Canaanite prostitute would never be interested in God yet she was willing to risk evertying she had for a God she barely knew. We must not judge a person’s interest in God by his or her backgound lifestye or appearance. Rahab had faith; she had the kind of faith that takes action and risks. She risked her life; she showed more faith in God than most of the Israelites did in the desert.
When it comes to dispensing love and grace, God can be downright promiscuous. The whole story reminds me that God takes care of things in a way that defies conventional wisdom. God is endlessly creative and surprising in his workings. Rahab is remembered in the Hebrews Hall of Fame (one of only 2 women mentioned) for her faith and courage 11v31 “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed…”
In spite of her past, God was not disgusted by her, he saw her worth and God was not finished with her…… Rahab married Salmon, gave birth to a son, Boaz, who married Ruth, (there’s a story with a fairytale ending!) the great-grandmother of King David and you know where that lineage leads, that crimson cord is hanging as a sign of hope and salvation, how unexpected! The one who cleanses us from all sin had an ancestor who was a prostitute!
Lord, help us to see others through your eyes, Amen. | 