God of the Second Wind Heroes of Faith Rahab's Story (Part 1)

 These last couple of weeks The Holy Spirit has given Robbie a phrase to chew on the phrase is “God of the Second Wind.” One day he was thinking and meditating on a previous message that he heard a couple of years ago the message is called “God of the Second Wind” by Pastor Rick Wilkerson Jr. Robbie heard that message at the Forward Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in 2013.

“God of the Second Wind” as he ponders that phrase Robbie reminds himself of the Heroes of Faith that readers read about in the Bible that has experienced the “God of the Second Wind.” Every story in the Bible reveals to the reader this characteristic of God, but there is not enough time to look at every story, but in this series, four heroes will be looked at Rahab, Ruth, Jonah, and Samson. This series will be done in four parts part one on Rahab, part two on Ruth, part three on Jonah, and part four on Samson. Before these heroes’ stories are spoken about you as the reader first must know what does the phrase the “God of the Second Wind” mean? Simply its meaning, its action is Grace and Mercy and through the actions of Grace and Mercy God gives a second chance.

Rahab’s story is in Joshua 2 and 6, but she also is in Matthew 1:5, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25. Rahab’s story speaks of Grace and Mercy here is a prostitute, but yet because she feared God because she knew that the God of Israel is more powerful than any other god (Joshua 2:8-11) and because she protected the spies those actions opened the door for “God’s Second Wind” to come into her life. “God’s Second Wind” for Rahab’s life is amazing God rescues her and her family. God makes them part of Israel that enough would have expressed that God is the “God of the Second Wind” However, the great thing about Grace and Mercy is that it always holds surprises that he or she never sees coming. God decides to do something that no one sees coming He adds Rahab to the genealogy of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:5 NLT says “Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse.”

“God’s Second Wind” for Rahab consists of Salvation for her and her family, being a part Israel, marrying Salmon, and having her name listed in the family line that would bring Jesus into the world! Don’t you feel the weight of that? Wow! It does not end there either Furthermore, she is in Hebrews 11:31 NLT “31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.”

Christians know this Chapter in the Bible as the “Hall of Faith” people believe that this terminology comes from the Hall of Fame that all professional sports, collegiate sports, and the entertainment world have for those who are the best of the best. Is it not true that when fans hear who is in the Hall of Fame or who just got inducted into this year’s class questions, and comments are made about if he or she should be a part of the Hall of Fame. Questions like “Did they do enough to deserve it?” or “Why did they choose him or her?”  Sometimes the fans agree with the committee and then other sometimes the fans disagree with the committee. Opinions on why or why not he or she should or should not be part of the Hall of Fame come out or conversations about how another athlete or entertainer deserved to be inducted into the Hall of Fame more than the athlete or entertainer that got in.

This question can be asked and is asked about Rahab “Does she deserve the induction into the Hall of Faith?” To answer that question we must see what God’s qualifications are for induction into the Hall of Faith. The qualifications are 1. God’s Grace and Mercy in the individual’s life, 2. Faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 3. Having a fear of God, and 4. Having a BIG YES is his or her heart to honor God in their lives.  All four of these qualifications are in one action of Faith, and that action is Faith in what Jesus did on the Cross. By taking the punishment for everyone’s sin, and those who believe He did this for them they will have eternal life and receive an induction into the Hall of Faith. Rahab lived by faith; she did works by faith (James 2:25-26 NLT 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.), and she lived in the abundance of Grace and Mercy that God gave her in her life! In every Hall of Fame definitely inside the Hall of Faith, fans and observers will find inductees who at first may not seem that he or she should be there, but they are there because of Grace and Mercy because God gave them a second wind.

The Biblical Meaning of the Number 16

God is the Creator of all things, and everything He creates has significance's, purpose, and meaning. As you read through the Bible, you see that numbers are made known and highlighted by its writers that the Holy Spirit has put an emphasis's on the meaning of numbers such as the number seven meaning “completion and perfection” or the number eight signifying “new beginnings”. I believe that Christians should study biblical numerology because I believe that when you consider them, a Christian will grow more in the knowledge, wisdom, and stature of Christ. Christians will discover more revelation of the Father’s love for them as they participate in the study of biblical numerology. Having an understanding of biblical numerology will help Christians understand certain passages in the Bible. Since taking this journey of exploring the biblical meaning of numbers I have discovered that their meaning has helped me understand what God is saying in the Scriptures at times and what is happening in my life. I have written this post to help you understand the importance’s that God puts on numbers and how they can benefit you as a Christ-follower. I have chosen the number 16 to write about because the year is 2016 and its meaning fascinates me! Its purpose brings an understanding of the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love for you and I (Ephesians 3:18-19).

From my research and study, I have concluded that the number 16 associates itself throughout the Bible with love, covenant, and marriage. Through this blog I will explain where my support comes from, the Hebrews write out the number 16 with the Hebrew letters Yod-Yav when these letters are written out they signify “the hand (outworking) of the nail, which joins the hearts of two people as one” (Jones, p.10).

If you look at I Corinthians 13:4-8 Apostle Paul lead by the Holy Spirit lists 16 attributes of love. I Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT “4 Love is patient (1) and kind (2). Love is not jealous (3) or boastful (4) or proud (5) 5 or rude (6). It does not demand its own way (7). It is not irritable (8), and it keeps no record of being wronged (9). 6 It does not rejoice about injustice (10) but rejoices whenever the truth wins out (11). 7 Love never gives up (12), never loses faith (13), is always hopeful (14), and endures through every circumstance (15). 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever (16)! Amazing!

In Exodus 26:25 NLT “25 So there will be eight frames at the rear of the Tabernacle, set in sixteen silver bases two bases under each frame.” What do eight frames at the rear of the Tabernacle set in sixteen silver bases under each frame have in common with love? Great question let's find out! This instruction was given to Moses by God specifically for how the Tabernacle is to be built. The Tabernacle became the place for where God's presence dwelt amongst His people, but it also became the place where God could have communion with His people to display His love for them, and in return, the Israelites would go to the Tabernacle to display their love for Him! The Tabernacle also represents the Covenant that God has made with Israel.

The sockets held the boards in place and gave the tabernacle stability, but today God indwells in us we are His temple or tabernacle. Paul alludes to this in Eph. 3:17-19 (Jones, p.12). Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT “17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong (these are the sixteen silver bases). 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Now the Covenant is no longer in the Tabernacle as a building, but now the Covenant resides in each person’s heart who chooses to believe in Christ.

Another scripture that points to 16 as the number of love, covenant, and marriage is in Genesis 7:7-9 NLT “7 He went on board the boat to escape the flood he and his wife and his sons and their wives. 8 With them were all the various kinds of animals those approved for eating and for sacrifice and those that were not along with all the birds and the small animals that scurry along the ground. 9 They entered the boat in pairs, male and female, just as God had commanded Noah.” This passage reveals the 16th time Noah’s name is mentioned in Genesis (Jones, p.12). With the 16th mention of Noah’s name, it comes with the declaration of God’s plan for reproduction through a husband and wife and between male and female creatures. (Genesis 1:28). “Does this not speak of love and marriage? Even all the animals went in by twos, male and female” (Jones, p.12, 2008).    
If you look closely and count the number of times the Greek word “agape” (divine love) is used throughout the Gospel of John, it adds ups to sixteen times (John, p.12, 2008).

Also, again in I John the 16th time that word “love” is used is in I John 4:18 (The Bible Study Site, p.3, n.d.). I John 4:18 NLT “18 Such love (16th time) has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” This passage is important because the Apostle John is telling us that “agape” love has no fear agape love expels all fear from a Christian. Christian, you are no longer a slave to fear you are a child of God! You are a Son or Daughter of the King and if you allow His love to equip your spirit, soul, and body and if you put on His love each day by being strong and courageous then His perfect love will expel all fear from you! Why? Because you now know the authority, and power that His love possesses over fear!

These are just some of the examples I have chosen to display my support for the number 16 as the number of love, covenant, and marriage there are much more throughout the Bible, but I hope that this study has been helpful to you. I hope that it makes you come to realize that numbers are influential throughout the Scriptures, and you will benefit from examining their meanings because biblical numerology is part of the key to receiving and understanding a deeper revelation of God’s Word.

I challenge you this year to have faith that God’s love and the love of human companionship either through your family, friends, fellowship with other believers, or marriage will come upon you and lead you to a more profound love of Christ and also a deeper love for yourself. I will leave you with two things: 1. Jesus loves you and is always ready and willing to give you His love. 2. A statement from Jesus “37 Jesus replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40 NLT). Check out the link I have posted at the end of this blog. The link will lead you to a song by Bethel Music called No Longer Slaves enjoy :)!

If you have never accepted Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior, and you would like to do so just say Lord Jesus come into my heart, I believe You died for my sins. I believe that God raised You from the dead on the third day I am Yours, and You are mine forevermore in Jesus name we pray amen! What now? Pick up a Bible starting reading the Gospel of John, find a church that teaches God's Word, grow in Christ, and begin to Serve Him!  

References

Jones, S. E. (2008). The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty. Retrieved from http://www.newhorizonscomchurch.net/uploads/2/3/1/9/23197588/meaning_of_numbers.pdf

The Bible Study Site. (n.d.). Meaning of the Number 16 in the Bible. Retrieved from http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/16.html