Beech Tree News Network

Joshua 2 is probably most well-known for the record of the spies escaping Jericho by being let down from Rahab’s house by a scarlet line or rope (v. 15, 18, 21). Albert Barnes says, “The ‘line’ or cord was spun of threads dyed with cochineal: i.e., of a deep and bright scarlet color...” (Joshua Commentary).

This rope would have a special meaning for Rahab, her family, and the Jews when the attack on Jericho began. We note that the spies told her, “Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him” (Josh. 2:18-19).

Joshua 2:23 says the spies told Joshua everything that had happened, and Joshua 6:25 makes a point of telling us that Joshua saved Rahab that day just as was promised. Bible students know this event ushered in a new life for Rahab. She married a man named Salmon and would, through this union, be in the lineage that would bring us Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:5)!

These spies tell Rahab essentially that the rope which saves us this night will now save you (Josh. 2:19). What once was a common thing was now used for an uncommon purpose! Indeed, it has a new purpose. They told her when you see us coming back, this rope needs to be bound in the window, and make sure all those you want to be saved are inside this house.

This reminds me, in a way, of the Passover (Ex. 12). Instead of a rope in a window, lamb’s blood was painted on the doorpost, and all who wished to be saved waited inside the house. No one was to be outside the house when the Lord passed. So it was with Rahab (Josh. 2:19, 6:25).

The rope, which was a common thing in her house, would be used by the Lord in an uncommon way. This is something we often see with God. He takes the common things and makes them uncommon or special. He did that with the Jews (Deut. 14:2) and with Christians today (Titus 2:14). He did this with the prophets (Heb. 11:38) and the gospel (I Cor. 1:18-31)! God can make the things men consider foolish, common, or unremarkable, special and give them a new purpose (II Cor. 5:17)!

Friend, you may feel like you are nothing. You may feel as common as an old rope. However, God can make you new. You can repent of your sins (Acts 17:30) and be born again (Jn. 3:3, 5). You can start over and access living water (Jn. 4:10) and the bread of life (Jn. 6:35, 48, 51)! What more could you ask for? You can be washed in Christ’s blood (I Cor. 6:11; Rev. 1:5) and be God’s special person, having a purpose, and hope. What is stopping you? Turn and be a special person used for God’s special purpose! Become a Christian today (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; II Cor. 6:2)!

-- You are invited to visit the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167