The Scarlet Cord

Verse of the day: Joshua 2:17-18 So the men said to her: “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, 18 unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household to your own home.”

What a beautiful picture we have here of the atoning Blood of Jesus. Rahab, taking a step of faith in helping the two spies escape demonstrated that her faith was genuine. The spies promised that upon their return with Joshua (YAHWEH is salvation or deliverance) if the scarlet cord they gave her were visible in her window, she and all those who are in her home would be saved. Once Rahab took her step of faith, her first task was to go and reach her own family, tell them about how they could escape the coming judgment when the Lord would send Joshua and the Israelites to take the land. As we read this account, I am reminded of the blood of the Passover lamb placed on the doorpost which spared the Israelites from death (Exodus 12:13). Let us note something of great importance here in the life of Rahab. Let us not forget who she was, at the time, a harlot. Yet, when we read Hebrews 11:31 it says, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace”. It appears that she not only told her family, but also told others as well, who did not believe. I cannot help but be reminded of the Samaritan woman at the well, who had five husbands and was living with a man who was not her husband at the time she had a life-changing encounter with Jesus in John 4. Both Rahab, and the Samaritan woman, seem to put their less than favorable reputation aside in order to tell others about the Messiah and of the coming salvation. With that said, what is our excuse for not telling others about Jesus and the coming judgment for those who reject the message? Not only did Rahab speak, in spite of her reputation, in verse 21, it tells us that she immediately put the scarlet cord out her window. Would this not give away the fact that she helped the spies escape? Would this not be a foolish move, humanly speaking? Would this decision not bring her persecution by the people of Jericho, and even bring the risk of death? 1 Corinthians 1:18 tell us, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” We can talk to people about God and they will tolerate it, but when we cross the line and talk about Jesus…all bets are off! We then become fools. Oh that we would be willing to be fools for Christ as the Apostle Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 4:10, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” The fact of the matter is that when we preach the Gospel to others, we expose ourselves to persecution, ridicule, and in some cases around the world, martyrdom. However, Jesus already warned us that this would happen in John 15:18-25, but also promise us in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” When was the last time we were willing to do something that was humanly foolish, but heavenly wise and rewarding? What amazes me over and over when I read the life account of Rahab, is that God had a plan for her life that she would not have imagined when she put her faith and trust in the God of heaven and earth. However, that plan did not go into motion until she took a stand and not only announced her faith, but proved it by her actions. Are we waiting for God to show us what His plan for our lives is, but refusing to take that step of faith that will put that plan in motion? Are we stifling God’s plan for our life because we are more concerned with being accepted by family, friends, co-workers, and the like, rather than being willing to be branded a fool for Christ’s sake? Will we be silent with those we love and allow them to perish because we are too ashamed or intimidated to tell them the truth about eternity and what Jesus did to save all of us from eternal condemnation? Only God and we know. Are we willing to be as bold as Rahab and tell others about the Scarlet Thread that binds us to Christ, His Atoning Blood?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).