Scripture:
Joshua 2:18-21 ESV
[18] 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. [19] Then if anyone goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his own head, and we shall be guiltless. But if a hand is laid on anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head. [20] But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless with respect to your oath that you have made us swear.” [21] And she said, “According to your words, so be it.” Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
Observation:
I want to give a little backstory before we get started here. Rahab was a prostitute who took a chance. She had heard all the stories about GOD’s chosen people and believed them. So when they ended up in her home it was easy for her to want to help. I’m sure her life and profession were very hard on her emotional well-being and she wanted something different. So when these men came into her home she saw an opportunity. She was probably really familiar with the men of Jericho and knew these two men were not from around there. So after she hides them and some conversation takes place we get down to the point. She was tired of living the way she was. Jericho was not the land of promise for her the way it stood. It needed some supernatural rearranging, and these men were the start of that. Striking a deal with them she places a red rope out the window of her home to protect her and her family as long as they remain in the house. Ok so here is where it gets a little tricky and I’m going to need you to follow me closely, Are you ready? The rope was the same color as blood and hanging the blood-colored rope out of her was a picture of Jesus. I know you might be thinking that a far-reach but go back and read the whole story. One of the first things she tells these men is…I know the stories to be true GOD has given you this land. By her admission, she has confessed that she believes and the blood-colored rope is a sign of that. The Bible is not just a collection of stories. It is one story collected in 66 books that all tie together by the blood-red thread of Jesus.
Application:
Ok, so how do we tie this together with the application? Well here is something if you have ever wondered how to study the bible look at it like this… it’s all about Jesus. The Old Testament is the prediction of HIS coming. The four gospels are HIS arrival and the New Testament is telling us HE is coming back. From the front of the book to the back of the book it’s all about Jesus. Ok, that’s fine but how does this affect us? Let me go just a little deeper. The Bible was put together by the hand of GOD HIMSELF. It took thousands of years and many different authors and most of them never knew each other. Not to mention that between the Old and New Testaments, there was a 490-year period of silence. However, all of it goes together perfectly. Now if that doesn’t make you want to droop a Scarlett thread out your window I’m not sure what will. The application behind all this is simple. All the rest of the was done just to make me sound smart (insert laugh here). If you know Jesus Christ as your LORD and Saviour you already have a Scarlett thread. It’s the blood of Christ that was placed over your life the day you said yes, in need you Jesus please help me I can’t save myself and this life of spiritual prostitution is not the life I want. But listen if you have not done this the bible says today is the day of salvation. In other words, there is no better time than now, and to be honest it’s pretty easy. Just speak to HIM from your heart. Again the bible says. If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of GOD then you will be saved. If you want help with this I am here and you have a way to contact me, and if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your LORD and Saviour please tell someone…anyone the Bible also says confess ME before man and I will confess you before MY Father.
Prayer:
Father, you have put together a book of instructions for us and it all points back to you. You are our living hope. I pray this morning that if someone is reading this and does not know you, today might be the day that you reveal yourself to them. I also pray that what has been presented may shed new light on how to read your word. It’s all a picture and a beautiful picture of redemption by the blood of the lamb who was slane for our benefit. I love talking to you and knowing that you are always fighting for me. You are an amazing GOD please use this SOAP to grab ahold of some hearts. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.