Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

a. Rahab is later enrolled in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith with this event depicted on her plaque(cf. 31) and James comments, “was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received themessengers and sent them out another way” (James 2:25)?b. does this prove that lying is justified under dire circumstances?c. if so, does that not conflict with God’s response to Abraham’s half-truths about Sarah beinghis sister when he felt his hosts might kill him if they knew he was really her husband?4. Rahab was justified, not by the work of deception, but harboring God’s spies and protecting themon their mission; “The course she adopted was a sin of weakness which was forgiven her in mercybecause of her faith” (Keil).5. the New Testament closes with a blanket warning against deception (Revelation 21:7-8)D. Civil Disobedience1. Rahab and the magi do have one thing in common–civil disobedience, or the refusal to obey anungodly law2. one could add the midwives and family of Moses to that list as well and such civil disobedienceis necessarily justified3. Christians sometimes have an uneasy relationship with their government, especially intotalitarian nations or where a state religion exists4. even in America, however, we find that our government is often an adversary to our convictions,and we could someday face the very real need to act in civil disobediencea. this would not include a refusal to pay taxes, for even Jesus paid taxes to the Roman regimethat would uphold idolatry and murder him (cf. Matthew 17:24-27, 22:21)b. but it might include a stand like the apostles’ (Acts 5:26-29)c. we must obey the government up to the point that it interferes with the authority of God, forconscience sake and because we fear its wrath (cf. Romans 13:1-7)d. and keep in mind that civil disobedience may have consequences beyond that experienced bythe midwives, Rahab or the magi (First Peter 4:12-16)ConclusionThe magi are curious characters, but their place in the childhood of Christ is one of cooperation with God,and one that we can emulate in some ways.Character Studies! 141