Rahab: How God Uses the Unlikelyസാംപിൾ

Day 3: The Scarlet Cord of Redemption

Scripture Focus:

•Joshua 2:15–21 – Rahab places the scarlet cord in her window.

•John 3:16 – Whoever believes in Him will not perish.

•Ephesians 1:7 – Redemption through the blood of Christ.

•Romans 8:1 – There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

Devotional:

The scarlet cord hanging from Rahab’s window was more than just a marker for the Israelites. The hanging cord was a visible declaration of her faith and a symbol of redemption. By placing it in her window, Rahab put her trust in God’s promise to save her and her family from destruction, even as Jericho faced judgment.

This scarlet cord draws a beautiful parallel to the blood of Jesus, shed for the redemption of all who believe. Just as the Israelites were spared during the first Passover by marking their homes with the blood of the lamb (Exodus 12:13), Rahab’s home was marked by the scarlet cord. And just as Rahab’s family found refuge under the symbol of her faith, we find refuge in the sacrifice of Christ. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”

Rahab’s story is a testament to God’s grace. Despite her past, she was not only saved but also welcomed into the people of Israel and became part of the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). This shows us that redemption is not limited to the “qualified” or the “deserving.” Romans 3:23–24 assures us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

If you’ve ever felt like your sins are too great or your past is too messy for God to redeem, Rahab’s story is a reminder that His grace is greater. God doesn’t just forgive. God restores, transforms, and uses us for His purposes. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

The scarlet cord invites us to see redemption as a work of God’s grace, not our own efforts. Just as Rahab trusted in God’s promises, we too must trust that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to cover our sins, mark us as His, and draw us into His story of salvation.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of redemption through Jesus. Help me to trust in Your grace and forgiveness, even when I feel unworthy. Thank You for transforming my life and giving me a new purpose in You. May I live each day as a testimony of Your redeeming love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Journal Prompt:

What areas of your life need to be redeemed by God’s grace?

How can you trust Him in those areas today?