Morning, April 18
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Joshua 2:21
"She bound the scarlet line in the window."
Joshua 2:21
Rahab depended for her preservation upon the promise of the spies, whom
she looked upon as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith
was simple and firm, but it was very obedient. To tie the scarlet line
in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run
the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, is there not here a lesson for
thee? Hast thou been attentive to all thy Lord's will, even though some
of his commands should seem non-essential? Hast thou observed in his
own way the two ordinances of believers' baptism and the Lord's Supper?
These neglected, argue much unloving disobedience in thy heart. Be
henceforth in all things blameless, even to the tying of a thread, if
that be matter of command.
This act of Rahab sets forth a yet more solemn lesson. Have I
implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the
scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can
never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or
the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all
things in connection with its blessed power? The passer-by can see a
cord of so conspicuous a colour, if it hangs from the window: it will
be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement
conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let men
or devils gaze if they will, the blood is my boast and my song. My
soul, there is One who will see that scarlet line, even when from
weakness of faith thou canst not see it thyself; Jehovah, the Avenger,
will see it and pass over thee. Jericho's walls fell flat: Rahab's
house was on the wall, and yet it stood unmoved; my nature is built
into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction smites the race, I
shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet thread in the window afresh,
and rest in peace.