Your Defining Moment. James 2.24-26

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

When we read much of the story of Abraham, we can see how obedient he was to God's direction, and that obedience was counted to him as righteousness.  But let us not forget that Abraham slipped up, too.  Although God had promised to 'make of him a great nation,' his and Sarah's impatience combined with Sarah's inability to conceive, led him to have relations with Sarah's Egyptian handmade, Hagar, at Sarah's provocation.  That union produced Ishmael, and through Ishmael, the root of Islam.  (Thanks, Abraham!)

*Something important to note here: the Bible does not leave out the unsavory, sometimes sinful parts of people, even the heroes of the faith-----Entrance Stage Left--->Rahab.  Yes, you read that correctly above--Rahab practiced the world’s oldest illicit profession in what was probably the world’s oldest city, Jericho, living along the city wall.  Jericho was established nearly 6,000 years before Moses came along and has been excavated at least four different times, starting in the 1800s.  (fascinating stuff for those who want historical proofs of the Bible’s accuracy) 

After the death of Moses, the new leader of the Israelites, Joshua, sent out spies to check out the land; the king of Jericho learned about it and sent his henchmen to take care of the spies. Rahab hid them, and exacted a promise that when Israel conquered Jericho, her and her family would be spared.  Deal.  Joshua kept the promise when the city was conquered>Joshua 6. 

Have you ever had a "defining moment"--when it comes to faith in God?  You see, I believe that all of us get visits from God, and each time, we decide which direction we will go.  Sometimes, a defining moment comes at a time of great difficulty, such as terminal disease.  Some even turn to God for a time--and then afterward, when things are well again, marvel at modern science. (I've seen this quite a few times; we pray like crazy for someone to be healed, and God is gracious; then the person credits something else. My heart aches for God, when it happens.)  Sometimes it is the tragedies of life that wake us up and make us search out truth/purpose/God.

I have a friend whose daughter was murdered by her son-in-law; it was standing in the morgue that my friend cried out to God, and she has never turned around since. She has continued to seek Him and grow her faith. Choices.  Other times, God visits us as the ‘top of our games’ when we know inside we are still made for something more, and we realize that something more is God.  We reach out for him, we reach out for that wooing of the Holy One, and that becomes our Defining Moment.  But always we have the choice.

Rahab had a choice; she was discerning in seeing what was ahead for her family, and she chose well.  I believe that was Rahab's defining moment; she chose to protect God's people, to align herself with them--her faith changed her life. Because of her faithfulness, Rahab is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ--check out Matthew 1.5 . . . amazing.  Then she is listed in the Hall of Faith located in Hebrews 11--again commended for her faith. (v. 31) God is so very gracious in his estimation of us.

Well, some of you who are reading this now, and are presently faced with a choice.  What will be your defining moment with Jesus Christ?  Oh, you will have one--as for when . . . well, that depends on you.  Remember earlier in this chapter two, James said 'even the demons believe'--there must be action on that belief.  Religion isn't satisfactory--no, that is a man-made construct and will only disappoint.  

Ultimately, our greatest Defining Moment is made of an individual decision for a personal relationship with God, out of recognition of our need for him.

I marvel that God could use me, even though I know he used Rahab--a harlot.  I am no better than her though, that’s for sure.  Like looking at the wake thrown by a large boat, I turn around and consider times and things in my past, and shudder.  That is how I know God is merciful.  Mercy encompasses forgiveness.  Would you ask God's forgiveness for past sins, then ACCEPT that forgiveness and mercy, and let him use you? Come on, the world needs you. Think of it, in Exodus three, God used a bush to speak to Moses; if he can use a bush, couldn't he use you? Oh, I'm sure of it. Let this be your defining moment.

Christine