Faith that results to obedience
“When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house. If they go out into the street and are killed, it will not be our fault. But if anyone lays a hand on people inside this house, we will accept the responsibility for their death. If you betray us, however, we are not bound by this oath in any way.” “I accept your terms,” she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window.” Joshua 2:18-21 NLT
When the Israelites were told by God to proceed to the Promised Land, they did not obey. They remained in Kadesh Barnea because they did not trust God’s word. When Rahab was told to tie scarlet cord in her window, she immediately obeyed. Because she obeyed, her family was spared when the Israelites entered Jericho. Her obedience was the result of her faith in the One true God. Once we understand Rahab’s story, the more we will appreciate the salvation that God provides. Like her, we were not part of God’s family because of our sinfulness. Yet, when God revealed Himself to us and awaken us, we realized His desire to forgive us of our sin. He drew us to Himself and instead of continuing in a life without direction and destined to death, we received His offer of life and purpose. Rahab’s faith and her obedience can never be forgotten for she was one of the four foreign women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. “Salmon was the father of Boaz (whose mother was Rahab). Boaz was the father of Obed (whose mother was Ruth). Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David” (Matthew 1:5-6). All that Rahab could get by as the basis of her faith were distant stories about the One true God. But that was enough for her to trust God. How about you? You have an access to the Word of God and the light of the gospel is shining because of your experience of His grace, yet what prevents you to fully trust Him? “By faith, Rahab ...was not destroyed” (Hebrews 11:31).
Blessings,