Out on the Roof

Joshua 2: …(But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.)…  So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall.

If you haven’t read this cool story in this chapter, take time to do so.  This woman, who had previously had a checkered past to say the least, took in two spies to hide them, all because she had heard about the miracles God had done and she believed with full faith in Him.  She further believed that if she showed kindness to these men of God by helping them out, she in turn would be shown kindness as well.

I find it interesting to note that instead of inviting the men INTO her house, which would have been shameful considering her reputation, she invited them to the roof atop her house where she had stalks of flax drying out – a perfect hiding place.  She also risked her life by giving them shelter.

The roof in this story is a symbol of the fact that Rahab had indeed turned and was trusting in something other than the life she had been living, and she indeed wanted to put her faith in the God who does great things.  The roof was her protective covering, and she offered it to these two men so that they could be safe.

Did you know the “prostitute” Rahab is mentioned in the bible “hall of fame” in Hebrews 11? 

I love this story of God’s amazing mercy and grace to those who believe, no matter our past.  And I also love the image of this woman of the dark hiding men of the light on her roof, instead of inside in her home, where she usually took in men.

What a great picture of the mercy and goodness of the God we serve to those who simply believe and obey.