Why in the world would two fresh faced, virgin, PCC or HAC type young men stay at a brothel?

It didn't make sense. The mere thought of such a thing in today's "indy-fundy" culture would be scandalous. Somebody would be bound to write about it in the Sword of the Lord and blackball whatever church or institution they came from.

But it was a different time, a different culture and a war was going on. These guys were spies and as such they did their best to, shall we say, blend in with the culture. I mean, surely, spending the evening with a woman of the night should dispel any thoughts that they might be holy.

And what about their 'hostess' who offered her guests the utmost in ummm, accommodations? We know her story. A whole world of hope and possibility opened up when these guys would not have sex with her. They were holy and their polite decline of her additional services were the very thing that opened dialog between two vastly different world views and led to her trust in the living God.

Sometimes a close encounter with a sharp contrast between ideologies is the very thing people need to get a glimpse of who God is and what He's about. While none of us like what we perceive as conflict, it's sometimes the very thing needed this side of heaven to reach others. I am challenged today not to shy away from anyone "out there" in the world who's thoughts and beliefs are vastly different than mine. They need who I have just as Rahab needed two very peculiar young men to say "no" to her solicitation.

It saved her life.