Day 22 — Rahab’s Scarlet Cord

“When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.”

— Joshua 2:11 (BSB)

Rahab lived in Jericho, a city with enormous walls. She wasn’t an Israelite. She had grown up far from God, and her life had not been a good one. Many people in her city probably looked down on her.

But Rahab had heard stories. Stories about the God of Israel, who had parted the Red Sea and helped His people win battle after battle. Everyone in Jericho had heard those stories, and they were terrified.

One day, two spies from Israel sneaked into Jericho to look around before Joshua’s army attacked. They ended up at Rahab’s house, which was built right into the city wall. When the king of Jericho found out, he sent soldiers to Rahab’s house to capture them.

Rahab had to make a choice. She could turn the spies in and be a hero in her city. Or she could protect them and risk her life.

She hid the spies on her roof under stalks of flax, and she sent the soldiers off in the wrong direction. Then she went up to the spies and told them what she believed: “The LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.”

Rahab had decided to trust the God of Israel, even though she wasn’t one of His people yet, and even though it was dangerous.

She asked the spies to save her and her family when Israel attacked. They agreed, and they told her to tie a scarlet cord (a bright red rope) in her window. Any house with that red cord would be safe.

When Israel came and the walls of Jericho fell, Rahab’s house with the red cord was spared. She and her whole family were rescued. She went to live among God’s people. And Rahab became part of the family line of King David, and of Jesus!

The Bible even lists Rahab in Hebrews 11 as one of the great heroes of faith.

Rahab’s story shows that no matter where you come from or what you’ve done, God welcomes anyone who trusts Him. Your past doesn’t have to define your future.

Think about it: Why do you think God included Rahab, who had grown up far from Him, in the family line of Jesus?

Try this: If there’s something in your past you feel ashamed of, bring it to God today. Remember: He welcomed Rahab, and He welcomes you.

Dear God, thank You that You welcomed Rahab when she put her trust in You. Thank You that my past doesn’t have to define my future. Give me brave faith like hers, to trust You even when it’s risky. In Jesus’ name, Amen.