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| Rahab |
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| Tamar and Judah |
Harlots or prostitutes have no place in our society. They are women who trap men with their charms to have casual sexual relations with them. They are considered to have a very low class standing in society. Even before Jesus Christ came into the world, prostitution has been existing. Some may think about what drives them to do these things. Is it really out of need, or is there something else. Of course, the Holy Bible tells us of such tales.
First, the story of Judah and Tamar : Tamar was married to Judah's eldest son Er. Since his eldest son did wickedness in the sight of the Lord, he was slain by him. Since she was not with child, Judah then then sent his second son, Onan, to be her husband and raise an heir. Since Onan knew that the child will not be his, he spilled his seed on the ground. This angered the Lord, and the Lord smote him also. Judah then told his daughter-in-law to remain a widow and dwell in his father's house until his youngest son Shelah, has grown. She obeyed him. When Judah's wife died and he was comforted, he was to go down to his sheep shearers. Tamar heard of it, and she took of her clothes of widowhood and wrapped herself in a veil, and waited on the road by Timnah. Here, she saw that Shelah was all grown up, but was not given to her. Judah thought that she was a harlot and asked to come into her. He promised to give her a kid, and asked for a pledge from him: his signet and staff. He agreed and he came unto her, and she conceived by him. After that, she took off her veil and wore her clothes of widowhood. Judah then sent the kid to be taken to her, but she was nowhere to be found. Three months after that incident, Judah was informed that her daughter-in-law committed harlotry and was pregnant with that incident. He sent after her, but she made an appeal to them that she is pregnant with the man who owns the signet,bracelet and staff. Judah knew that it was his, and told the people that she is more honorable than him, for he did not give his son Shelah to her. She then gave birth to twins: Pharez and Zarah. (Genesis 38:1-40).
Next is the story of Rahab and the Israelite spies: Rahab was a harlot living in the city of Jericho, the land that was promised by the Lord to be given to the Isrealites. Joshua then sent spies to the land of Jericho. They went to Rahab's house. When the king of Jericho was informed, he immediately sent soldiers to Rahab. She told them that they came there, but did not know where they are. She has hid them on the roof covered with flax. When the guards left, Rahab told them about the prophesy about Jericho, that the Lord will give this land to the Israelites. She told them also remain in the mountains for three days until their pursuers leave. She also requested that she be spared and her household on that day. The spies told her to leave the scarlet cord that she used to let them down, and to gather her household on that day. On the day that Jericho fell, the spies went and rescued Rahab's family, and they dwelt with the Isarelites in that land. (Joshua 2: 1-24)
In the genealogy of Jesus, both the names of Tamar (Matthew 1:3) and Rahab (Matthew 1:5) were mentioned. It is fascinating to us that they are included in his ancestry, since they are not worthy woman. But the bible tells us something, that even out of something that is not pure will come something good and great. Jesus didn't come from people that are perfect, but also came from imperfect people. God does not look at our sins, but if we accept him as our savio and repent, then we can be redeemed. Both Rahab and Tamar committed harlotry, but was redeemed by their actions. We are also reminded that our God is a loving God, that he gave his son Jesus Christ to ransom our sins, so that harlots,murderers,fornicators,robbers, publicans and all that have sinned be washed clean by his body and blood. And with this, comes new life in Christ. May we learn from their stories.
May Jesus Bless You!!!
BRIAN LUCIANO
OCTOBER 20,2016
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