Steven A. Bush - October 1, 2023
Rahab and the Scarlet Rope
Joshua has God's people preparing to invade Canaan. Jericho is target one. It's the flagship of Canaanite fortresses and Joshua wisely wants to scope it out. He sends in two spies. They enter Jericho and are housed by a prostitute named Rahab. Unfortunately the spies are seen and reported to the king who seeks their seizure. Rahab hides the spies under stalks of flax drying on her roof and tells the king's men they've already escaped the city. They make chase. Meanwhile Rahab negotiates with the spies for sparing her family when Jericho falls. They agree to mercy if Rahab and her household shelter together in her home while draping a scarlet rope from her window. The red rope will be a sign to spare those within. Liken to the lamb's blood on the doorposts the night of the first passover when Israel's firstborn sons are spared, the scarlet rope accomplishes the same. More so yet, the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, saves us from our sins leading to death and eternal punishment. 1 Peter 1:18-19 affirms: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (NIV) Rahab ends up in the Hall of Faith found in Hebrews 11:31. From her lineage will not only come King David, but the King of kings and Lord of lords--Jesus Christ. Is God not totally amazing? Yes indeed He is!
Scripture References: Joshua 2:1-24, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Romans 3:23-26, Hebrews 11:30-31, James 2:25-26