God Promises Scarlet Becomes White

Joshua 2:17-18 The men said to Rahab, “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.”
 
THE men are two spies Joshua sent to Jericho to prepare for Israel’s conquest. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who confessed a greater faith and understanding of God’s power than many in Israel: “For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11)
   In a proper fear of God, Rahab submitted to the LORD’s purpose. She sheltered the spies. And the spies rewarded her. The red cord would signal to Israel’s army that Rahab’s household was to be redeemed from death. Rahab became an Israelite, and God brought her into the lineage of Jesus’ physical ancestors.
   But it wasn’t the cord that saved Rahab and her family, was it? Rahab’s faith in God and submission to his army’s instructions saved them. The scarlet cord may have commonly been used to mark Rahab’s house as one of prostitution. But it became a mark of safety when Rahab entrusted her life to God’s warriors. What was meant for evil became a means of redemption.
   The scarlet cord illustrates God’s redemptive power for you. Hear God promises in Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Jesus’ blood bleaches the sin from our hearts.
   At his trial Jesus wore a scarlet robe: Matthew 27:28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. Scarlet was the clothing of a king. The Father placed the robe on the King of Glory to illustrate God’s unstoppable power to save those who believe in the name of Jesus. Rahab submitted to God’s sovereign power over the earth, sky and sea. God calls the world to submit to his sovereign power over sin. Jesus conquers all with the triumph of his resurrection.
   The scarlet cord represents the redeemed life. God is calling each sinner to look through this cord of grace that ties God’s promises to God’s salvation. Submit to his power to safely place you in his saving care. He wants the foreigner – those outside the kingdom of God – to wholeheartedly join him. He calls each of us to become active, vibrant warriors, joining with others to advance his kingdom into the world.