THE TOKEN OF THE SCARLET THREAD.
TEXT
"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." (Joshua chapter 2 verse 18, King James Version).
As we mark the Passion, the Sacrifice and the Victory of the Lord Jesus Christ in this Easter season, let's not forget that our Salvation is the central point of focus in all. Before the actual coming of the Lord Jesus, God had shown to us events that prefigured His Atoning Sacrifice aimed at the salvation of humanity through types, likenesses and similitudes.
The incident of the scarlet thread in the Book of Joshua chapter 2 is one of such prefigurations that is clearly a harbinger of God's salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jericho had been shut up against Israel's advancement to the promised land (Joshua chapter 6 verse 1). Before Jericho was taken, Joshua had sent two spies to view it. These two men arrived at a harlot's house, named Rahab and logged there (Joshua chapter 2 verse 1). No sooner had they arrived than their presence became known and the king of Jericho sent to Rahab to hand them over. Sensing that God was with Israel and that it was just a matter of time that Jericho should fall before Israel, she took the men and hid them and saved their lives (see Joshua chapter 2 verses 9 to 11). In return, she asked for favor, particularly the salvation of her soul and those of her entire family when Israel came conquering (see Joshua chapter 2 verses 12 & 13).
There upon, the Israeli spies gave her the token of the Scarlet thread to be fastened to the window by which she let them down to escape arrest. According to them, Rahab was to bring her relatives to her house in order to be saved from death. (see Joshua chapter 2 verse 18). Hear them say to her as follows:
"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." (Joshua chapter 2 verse 19). In other words, their salvation depended on them remaining in Rahab's house. In the final analysis when Israel went in to destroy Jericho, Rahab and her family was saved (see Joshua chapter 6 verses 22 to 23)
All through the Easter season, we celebrate the salvation of the entire human race through the death, burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God's only Begotten Son. The Holy Bible says,
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. " (John chapter 3 verses 16 to 17).
As the token of the Scarlet thread was given to save Rahab and her relatives, God also in like manner, has given Jesus His Son for the salvation of the souls of men. Understand also that as the Israeli attack on Jericho was impending on Jericho, so also, God's anger against sinful humanity is apparent and will shortly manifest by way of His judgment upon humanity in its entirety (see 2nd Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 8).
Given the imminence of death and destruction, Rahab made plans for her salvation and that of her family. Having understood that God's judgment is imminent, have you done likewise by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior? To me, Easter is a grim reminder not only of God's love for humanity, but also of His impending judgment. Paul and Silas’ answer to the Philippian jailor's question asking, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" is still very relevant and applicable today.
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts chapter 16 verses 30 to 31).
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the Gift of Jesus Christ, Your Son. I believe in Him and confess Him as my Lord and Savior; and I am saved. Glory to God.