Sought by God
Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:4b
Jenny, an elderly donkey, failed to show up for her daily serving of grain. After several days I decided to search for her. I walked acres of pasture with the hood of my jacket pulled tight under my chin. I repeatedly called her name then paused to listen for her distinctive brae. I thought of Jesus as I trudged along, when he told the parable of the shepherd who leaves the flock of sheep to search for the missing lamb—an illustration of God searching for the lost.
Perhaps Jesus’ illustration relates to God searching within the walls of Jericho and finding Rahab, the prostitute who hid the Israelite spies. Though the undercover agents focused on their assignment of checking out Jericho, I believe God sovereignly directed them to Rahab’s house on an additional mission. Did God see something in her heart that prompted such a dramatic rescue?
Scripture reveals Rahab acknowledges to the spies their God is God in heaven above and on the earth below before asking them to spare the lives of her father and mother, brothers, and sisters, and all who belong to the family (Joshua 2:11-13).
After the walls crumbled and the dust settled from the ensuing battle, Rahab and her family escaped as the only survivors of Jericho. In the years that followed, Rahab worships the God of the Israelites, marries an Israelite, and becomes the great-great-grandmother of King David.
The same God who sent spies to rescue and redeem the unlikeliest of women sent His Son, Jesus to a tiny town to seek me, a timid little girl. Just like Rahab, I was in danger. I was lost. Thankfully, God sought me out and invited me into His love and into a community of those who worship Him—as He does for all those who acknowledge Him as Lord.
Thank You, Father, for searching for me and for recording Rahab’s complex story of redemption. Sensitize me with Your Holy Spirit to search for those needing to hear of Your love and gift of saving grace through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, amen.
Linda Lesniewski
