Joshua 2:12,13
“Now then, please swear to me by the LORD, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our lives from death.”
These are the words of Rahab, the harlot. She lived in Jericho. She is speaking to the two Israeli spies. They came to her to spy out the land. They were risking that she wouldn’t tell on them. They were trusting God. In turn for them trusting her, she asked for her protection and that of her family.
It’s almost like a prayer of salvation. God grants her request. More than that, she is in the the lineage of Christ. Our prayer for salvation was also heard. She asks for her whole household to be saved. God grants that to us as well, Acts 16:31 says, ‘They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”’ This doesn’t mean our asking for salvation includes our family, but when they see our changed lives, they will also come.
The scarlet rope which allowed the spies to escape was to be hung in the window as a sign to Israel to spare them. It was like the blood on the door post which caused the angel of death to passover that house. Some call this the Scarlet Thread of Redemption that is woven throughout the Bible. Symbolizing the blood of the animals sacrificed which was symbolic of Jesus’ blood which was the perfect and complete sacrifice.
We’re not sure how Rahab was picked by the spies. They probably prayed and asked for His guidance, much like Abraham’s servant looking for a wife for Isaac. How were we chosen by God? I’ll leave the predestination and chosen topics to the experts, but John 12:32 says Jesus draws all of us to Himself. Revelation 22:12 says, ‘The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.’ That sounds like the message goes to everyone. We all have a chance. God will be just. All will says that He is just. This is a little uncomfortable for I feel that God drew me strongly. If He didn’t i’m not sure if I would be a christian. I can’t say that I came all on my own. However it was I am so grateful to be in His flock.
Lord, thank You for the message of Rahab. You saved her and her family and put her in Your lineage. Thank You for saving me and household. Help us to share Your message with others and bring them along.