Scarlet Cord

• Joshua 2:18 (ESV)

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What a beautiful and timeless portrait of the redemptive work of Christ in the Old Testament. Rahab, a Canaanite, but a prostitute to boot, was about as close to the bottom of the social and theological barrel as possible. Yet, God had a plan for her. Many in Jericho knew of Israel's potent future. Yet, only she believed in a saving manner. James tells us that as a result of her faith, she acted. Her works validated her faith. And the fact that a scarlet cord was used to identify her as God's and thus shielded her from his wrath, as it was executed by the armies of Israel, anticipates the blood of Christ saving us from his righteous, just judgment. We, who are so undeserving, are also preserved by a scarlet cord.

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