APRIL 3, 2016
THE SCARLET CORD
INTRODUCTION:
1. The two spies that were sent out by Joshua to view the land, particularly Jericho, were guided by divine providence to the house of Rahab the harlot. Her house was situated on the wall of Jericho.
2. The fact that they were providentially guided to that particular dwelling actually served a twofold purpose.
a) First, they were able to gain from the harlot Rahab valuable intelligence for their commander respecting the present situation and state of affairs in Jericho. They would be able to report that the city was shut up, and that for fear of Israel, there was no courage in any man, and that God had truly delivered Jericho into their hands. (Verses 11, 24)
b) Second, they were guided to the one house where, from among all of the condemned citizens of Jericho, one of the Lord’s chosen resided. Yes, the Lord had chosen for Himself one particular woman, who, even though a great sinner, He would save from the coming destruction.
3. Considering the unconventional way in which the Lord intended for Israel to fight and win the battle of Jericho, which at the time was known only to Him, we must conclude that the chief mission of the spies was not to gain intelligence for the purpose of planning war strategies, but rather to arrange for the deliverance of Rahab.
4. Thus the spies heard her appeal, and devised a plan for her deliverance – a plan that, if successful, would require obedient faith on her part and faithfulness to their sworn word on theirs.
I. IN FAITH, RAHAB PLED FOR MERCY (VERSES 12, 13) It was covenant mercy for which she pleaded “Swear unto me by the Lord…and give me a true token.”
A. SHE REQUIRED MORE THAN THEIR WORD ALONE.“Swear unto me by the Lord.”
1. The spies were no doubt good and honest men, but concerning this all-important matter, she wanted something binding, something unbreakable. (Example of the Gibeonites. Ch. 9:15; II Sam. 21:1ff)
2. We must admire Rahab, in that, she insisted upon having a solid foundation for her trust, even the Word of the Lord which changes not and abides forever. (Num. 23:19; I Pet. 1:25)
3. It is often alarming to learn what flimsy footings people are willing to trust in for the hope of their soul’s salvation. Many simply trust to the words of men, or rely on feelings, or a prayer they said. How many are trusting to their baptism, church membership, or perhaps a decision? Let all such curious souls take a lesson from Rahab.
B. SHE SOUGHT THE SAME SURE HOPE FOR HER IMMEDIATE FAMILY.“…I pray you, swear unto me…that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house…my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters…”
1. This is yet another proof of genuine faith. It is difficult to believe that those have come to true faith who do not immediately begin to be burdened for the salvation of their loved ones. (John 1:40, 41)
2. Evangelism is ever a product of true saving faith, and it is only reasonable that it should begin at home. (father, mother, brothers, sisters, etc…)
II. RAHAB RECEIVED THE COVENANT PROMISE FOR WHICH SHE PLED ALONG WITH A TRUE TOKEN THEREOF. (VERSES 14-21)
A. SHE MUST PROVE HER FAITH BY KEEPING THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT. (VRS. 14, 17, 20)
1. “Our life for yours.” If she saved their lives by not reporting them, they would see that her life and the lives of her family members would be saved. (Verse 14)
2. Her faithfulness would make their oath binding. “We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.”
3. Covenant mercy is sure mercy because God is faithful to His word. “…swear unto me by the Lord.” Yet faithfulness is required of those who receive His mercy. “If thou utter our business, then we will be quit of thine oath.” Thank God, the conditions which He requires He supplies the grace to meet.
B. THE SPIES GAVE RAHAB THE TOKEN WHICH SHE REQUIRED. (VERSE 18)
1. The very cord by which she let them down from her window to make their escape was to remain in her window. (Verses 15, 18)
2. The red cord marked her house as a household of faith. Note the similarity to the marking of the houses of the Israelites when the death angel was to pass through the land of Egypt. (Ex. 12:13, 23) Just as God’s judgment passed over the houses of His people marked by the red blood of the Passover lamb, His destruction would pass by the house of Rahab and her family where the red cord was displayed.
3. Notice who it was that ultimately must honor this token. So far as the spies knew, it would be Joshua and the fighting troops who must take notice of the red cord and spare this house. Therefore, those with battering rams, swords, and spears would need to be very watchful, so as not to violate the covenant. However, that responsibility was removed from them, for it was God Who made the walls of Jericho fall flat. They had no control over the matter of Rahab’s house upon the wall. Only God could prevent her house from falling with all the rest. Only God could spare the lives of Rahab and her family.
4. We can rest assured that God’s judgment will never touch those who are of the household of faith, which house is secured by the blood of the everlasting covenant. It is the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s son that protects us and keeps us safe.
5. Rahab was saved not only temporally, but eternally. The red cord may have spared her physical death, but it was the blood of Christ which it symbolized that saved her from perishing eternally.
C. SAFETY COULD ONLY BE GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO REMAINED IN THE HOUSE OF SAFETY. (VERSE 19)
1. Much as Rahab desired to secure the deliverance of her loved ones, ultimately the responsibility lay with each individual member of the family.
2. Rahab’s faith could not suffice to save those she loved any more than our faith can secure the salvation of our loved ones. We can, as she, see that they know the way of salvation, and pray that they lay hold of it.
3. Those who would be saved must believe on Christ and keep on believing, for only those who continue in faith shall be saved.
D. RAHAB IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF SOVEREIGN MERCY. (HEB. 11:31)“Rahab perished not with them that believed not.”
1. Hosts of others had access to the same information as Rahab, yet they believed not.
2. Jericho was a condemned city, under the curse of God. While others feared, but sought no escape, Rahab did, and perished not.
3. Rahab’s was a singular faith which went against the current of her fellow citizens.
4. She was clearly singled out by God’s distinguishing grace which calls and saves the most unlikely of sinners.
III. RAHAB’S FAITH BORE THE MARK OF THE TRUE FAITH OF GOD’S ELECT.
A. SHE, ACCORDING TO HER TRUE FAITH, FOUND THE TERMS OF THE COVENANT AGREEABLE. (VERSE 21)
1. First, she submitted verbally to the terms. “And she said, according to thy words, so be it.”
2. Second, “she sent them away, and they departed.” In this she was true to her commitment, and also bound herself to hope in their word.
3. Third, she proved her faith by displaying the scarlet cord in the window of her house, and waiting.
B. HER FAITH PROVED TRUE IN THAT IT WAS NOT MERELY A SPUR OF THE MOMENT.
1. Before the spies came, she believed the reports, and desired mercy.
2. After the spies came and left, she clung to the promise.
3. During the interval and throughout the long seven days siege she stayed faithful.
4. True faith will withstand severe testing, persevering even unto the end.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
1. Rahab was a harlot before she was saved, and even after her conversion she was referred to as “Rahab the harlot.” (Josh. 6:25; Heb. 11:31; James 2:24) This does not suggest that she continued in her unclean lifestyle, but is rather meant to magnify the grace of God that can reach and save the worst of sinners.
2. Rahab joined herself with the people of God never to be separated from them as long as she lived. True converts are always eager to join with the Lord’s people.
3. Rahab had the peculiar honor of being married to Salmon, a prince of Judah, and her name is listed among the ancestors of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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