Rahab and Achan

Two stories from the book of Joshua illustrate a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Rahab, the ultimate outsider, shows more faith in God than many of the Israelites themselves. Because of her faith, she is invited to become an honored part of the community. Achan, the ultimate insider, is filled with pride and sins against God and the people of Israel. Because of his sin, he is cast out and sentenced to death. These stories contain a message of hope for the outsiders and a warning for the insiders, and they show us that it's not our past condition or present struggles, but our ongoing faithfulness, that determines our standing before God.