The unknown author of Hebrews in chapter 11 sets out to illustrate examples of great faith. He lists 17 leading Old Testament characters from Abel to Samuel only two of whom are women: Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and our friend Rahab. Deborah, the Joan d'Arc of the Old Testament, is conspicuous by her absence from this list. But Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, is certainly in good company in this chapter! Patriarchs, Judges, Kings, and Prophets are her companions in faith and we are particularlly told (11:2) that she received divine approval.

In his emphasis on the need for good works in addition to faith James uses this woman (2:25) and Abraham as his two examples. Againwhat noble company we find her in! Thus on both grounds so strongly espoused by the Church-faith and works Rahab is a classic positive example.

What is scripture saying here? How does the lesson relate to the homosexual in today's society?

Like Rahab, many a homosexual is stigmatized by always being identified on the level of sexual promiscuity. Yet like Rahab any homosexual can become an instrument in God's hands. We have no indication that this woman changed professions after the conquest of her city; though to be sure, there is likewise no indication that she didn't. But the point is that regardless of her sexual morality she aligned herself with God and He worked His will through her. In later days two different New Testament authors, both aware of her moral reputation and her role as a collaborator, nevertheless realized that God's mercy and power has been made manifest through this individual.

In working out His master plan of destiny God uses all types and conditions of people. In the eyes of her biographers Rahab was a sinful wo-

man of low estate yet God worked through just such a person. She had put her faith in Him ahead of country or national gods and she then put her faith into action.

Scripture abounds with characters who were less than perfect by contemporary American standards. Indeed, even in God's sight many were sinners but again and again we see God working His will via them; sometimes in spite of themselves. How easy it is for us mere mortals to judge another when we are unaware that behind some outward expression the will of God is being brought forward. James must remind us, "But who are you that you judge your neighbor?" (4:12b) Jesus was misjudged by his own family and by the hometown folk of Nazareth.

So, too, the homosexual. In the eyes of their contemporaries they are sinful persons of low estate yet God does work through such people if they place their faith in Him and then put their concerted faith into action.

In addition we see in Rahab, this Bible woman of ill repute, that God has not despised, rejected, condemned His children. As James says in 2:13b "..

con-

yet mercy triumphs over judgment." Our Heavenly Father the Father of Jesus Christ tinues to show His mercy to harlot, heterosexual, homosexual in that He bids each one find himself or herself through faith and active works.

In effect this Bible story of Rahab is saying to today's overt homosexual: you can be an active laymen in your church or synagogue. I suspect there were other harlots in Jericho besides Rahab. But the point is she wan't just a harlot. She became a servant for her God because of her faith in Him. Likewise the homosexual. He need not be just a homosexual; for like Rahab he, too, may become a follower of the most high God and a co-worker with Him.