Morning
Time: 7:39 AM PST
"She bound the scarlet line in the window." --Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended for her preservation upon the promise of the spies, whom she
looked upon as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple
and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet line in the window was a
very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come,
my soul, is there not here a lesson for thee? Hast thou been attentive to all
thy Lord's will, even though some of His commands should seem non-essential?
Hast thou observed in his own way the two ordinances of believers' baptism and
the Lord's Supper? These neglected, argue much unloving disobedience in thy
heart. Be henceforth in all things blameless, even to the tying of a thread, if
that be matter of command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly
trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a
Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look
out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without
seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power?
The passer-by can see a cord of so conspicuous a colour, if it hangs from the
window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement
conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let men or devils
gaze if they will, the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is One who
will see that scarlet line, even when from weakness of faith thou canst not see
it thyself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over thee. Jericho's
walls fell flat: Rahab's house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my
nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the
race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet thread in the window afresh,
and rest in peace.