Joshua 2:21

Rahab depended for her preservation on 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. Tying the scarlet line in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not risk omitting it.

Come, my soul, is there not a lesson here for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of His commands might seem non-essential? Have you observed in His own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these demonstrates much unloving disobedience in your heart. Be from now on blameless in all things, even to the tying of a thread, if that is a matter of command.

This act of Rahab presents an even 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?

A passer-by can see a cord of such a conspicuous 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 you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. 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 strikes the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet thread in the window afresh, and rest in peace.