Human beings live by memories, but unfortunately, we are often remembered for our mistakes and flaws rather than our abilities. Everyone is prone to failure, yet God is ready to forgive those who repent wholeheartedly.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
When we acknowledge our mistakes, seek God’s forgiveness, and abandon old practices, He promises us mercy. Many people live in depression or shame because of their past, as those around them often judge them by their errors and sins, overlooking their good deeds.
The Bible teaches that, regardless of our failures, Jesus stands with open arms to receive us when we choose to forsake sin.
Reflection: How Do We Remember People?
Before exploring examples of individuals judged by their mistakes, I propose a question for reflection: When we think of Rahab, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Likely, many would answer: “Rahab, the prostitute.”
The Story of Rahab
Rahab is introduced in the Bible as a prostitute living in Jericho. Two Israelite spies were sent to scout the land and stayed at her house.
And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, “Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.” Then the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.” But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. And she said, “True, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And when the gate was about to be closed at dark, the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.” (Joshua 2:1-5)
Rahab hid the spies and protected them, lying to the king to ensure their safety. This act of courage marked her entry into history, as she not only saved the spies but also secured protection for her family.
And she said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a sure sign that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall. And she said to them, “Go into the hills, or the pursuers will encounter you, and hide there three days until the pursuers have returned. Then afterward you may go your way.” The men said to her, “We will be guiltless with respect to this oath of yours that you have made us swear. Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” (Joshua 2:9-18)
Rahab requested protection for herself and her family, and her faith in the God of Israel led to her being honored. Despite her past, she was included in the Hall of Faith.
By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Hebrews 11:31)
Rahab, who lived in a pagan environment, abandoned idolatry, believed in the true God, and became an ancestor of the Messiah.
And Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, and Obed begot Jesse; and Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. (Matthew 1:5-6)
Rahab’s salvation illustrates that God accepts anyone who fears Him and does what is just, regardless of their past.
The Story of Zacchaeus
When Jesus entered Jericho, there was Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, wealthy and known for his role.
And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:2-5)
Zacchaeus, being short, climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. He expected nothing more, but Jesus had greater plans: to dwell in his life. The crowd, upon hearing that Jesus would be Zacchaeus’ guest, murmured.
And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7)
However, the encounter with Jesus transformed Zacchaeus.
And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:8-9)
To the crowd, Zacchaeus was merely a sinful tax collector. But to Jesus, he was precious, called by name. Zacchaeus, who only wanted to see Jesus pass by, received salvation because Jesus desired to abide in his life.
The Story of Bartimaeus
The Bible also tells the story of a blind beggar by the roadside, known as Bartimaeus. To society, he was just another anonymous figure, with no value or contribution. One day, he heard something unusual and asked what was happening. Someone likely told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, and where Jesus went, miracles followed: the sick were healed, the paralyzed walked, the blind saw, and the mute spoke.
Bartimaeus began to cry out: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd tried to silence him, saying he shouldn’t bother the Master, believing he was insignificant. But Bartimaeus understood that this was his moment for a miracle, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Jesus heard his cry, turned to him, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knew Bartimaeus’ need, but He wanted to hear it from him. Bartimaeus responded, and his faith led him to receive his sight.
Lesson from Bartimaeus
The great lesson is that when we need a miracle, we must not heed the crowd. What matters is seizing the opportunity to be with the One who performs miracles. While the world may judge us by our failures, God sees us for our abilities and qualities.
Conclusion: A New Story with God
Rahab, the prostitute, was honored in the Hall of Faith. Zacchaeus, the tax collector, welcomed Jesus into his home. Bartimaeus, the blind man of Jericho, saw far beyond what the crowd could see with physical eyes, for despite his lack of sight, he had faith and believed Jesus could change his story.
It doesn’t matter how people have remembered you until now. What matters is how you will be remembered from this day forward. Lift your head, raise your hands to the heavens, and let God write a new story for you. To man, you may be defined by your failures, but to God, you are a precious vessel.
Let us be like Bartimaeus, who ignored the crowd and gave room to his faith, far greater than the voices around him.
Share this message and inspire others to find the transformation only God can offer!
