THE SIGN OF THE RED CORD
Opening Prayer
Lord, You know everything about me, open my heart to Your words today.
Read JOSHUA 2:17–24
17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”
So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
Reflect
Think of your journey of faith in God. What has helped you along the way? Which people have been especially important to you?The spies gave Rahab three instructions to ensure her family’s safety (18–20). This was not a time for trial and error. Rahab followed the instructions to the letter. She knew that failing to do so would have dire consequences (19, 20).
It’s possible that the spies knew that tying a red cord to the window through which they escaped would not attract the attention of the locals because it was something that happened often to indicate the sort of house that it was. The spies also received instructions from Rahab. Why do you think she told them to go to the hills for three days (16,22)?
On their return to Joshua (23, 24), the spies told him everything they had found out. Compare verses 9, 11 and 24. What do you notice? The ‘melting’ of the hearts of the Canaanites in fear (24) is a fulfillment of Moses’ words of prophecy in Exodus 15:15.
In these verses we see that God’s power to save was not limited to His people but was open to any who trusted Him. We see His hand at work in small details to fulfill His plans.
Apply
God cares about every small detail of your life. Think of the small details that are worrying you right now. Leave them at the feet of Jesus and trust that He has your life in His ever-capable hands.
Closing prayer
I praise You, Spirit of God, for the ways that You have worked in my life. Thank You for those You brought into my life to impact me.
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