March 18 - The Scarlet Cord

Read today’s texts first: Joshua 1,2; Psalms 37; 1 Corinthians 3

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The scarlet cord of Calvary keeps our “house”
and the foundation beneath it strong
even when the world collapses around us. 

I still remember the flannel graph of a scarlet rope hanging down the wall. I don’t remember how my Sunday School teacher explained what a prostitute was, but I will never forget how kind God was in saving Rahab and her entire family. It began that day, but my appreciation for the red thread woven masterfully through the entire Bible has grown every day since!

As we begin reading through Joshua and the destruction of the pagan nations occupying the promised land, we could see God as merciless. But this incredible opening story of Rahab should give us a better perspective of God’s amazing grace.

First, notice that news travels fast, even before facebook. These nations were already aware of the God of Israel, and they were terrified (2:9-11). They could have been spared had they asked for mercy, like Rahab, but they were too proud and corrupt. Ironically, it was a prostitute, someone likely with a low sense of self-worth, who was humble enough to turn to God for help. Paul talks about people like Rahab, like us, when he says that God has chosen the foolish and weak to shame the so-called “wise” and “strong” (1 Cor. 1:27). Remarkably, Rahab was not only welcomed among God’s chosen people (6:25), but she was included in the very lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5)! But there is another bloodline that is the most remarkable part of this story.

The scarlet cord bringing salvation to Rahab and her family is such a clear symbol of the red thread that weaves its way through the entire Bible. It is the bloodline of sacrifice that points us to the Lamb of God, whose blood poured down the cross of Calvary to save all of us who would receive Him as our Saviour and accept Him as our Lord.

“Thank You Lord that You cared enough for Rahab to keep her house and the wall beneath it standing while the rest of the walls came tumbling down. You’ve done the same for me and my family because of Jesus and the scarlet cord of Calvary!”