SCRIPTURE UNION DISCOVERY DEVOTIONAL (USA)
Scripture Union Discovery 30th January 2025 Devotional Message for Thursday
TOPIC: The Scarlet Cord
Opening Prayer
Lord God, give me ears to hear what you say in your Word and give me the grace to respond in obedience.
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Read JOSHUA 2:17–24
17 Now the men had said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house.
19 If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible. As for those who are in the house with you, their blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on them. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
21 “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.”
So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “The Lord has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.”
Reflect
Are you considered a person of honor by your family, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers?
The scarlet cord appears to be a sign of good faith between Rahab and the spies. Both parties need assurance that the other can be trusted. Is it reading too much into the text to suggest that the color scarlet is a reminder of the blood painted over doorposts during the Exodus (Exodus 12:7, 13), and therefore that it points us to the blood of Jesus?
By tying the cord to her window, Rahab expresses her allegiance to the God of Israel, a risky thing to do because she might appear as a traitor, yet she is desperate for her family to be saved as well as herself (2:13). Their safety lies in looking to God for protection. She must trust that the men will keep their promise.
The spies for their part commit themselves on oath to be as good as their word, and to deal kindly and faithfully with Rahab and her family when, in God’s timing, Jericho is captured (v. 14). Integrity and reliability are good characteristics that reflect the nature of God. How we deal with others is an important part of our testimony.
Apply
What promises or assurances have you made to other people? Have you kept your word? If not, how can you make amends? Why does it matter? If you have been let down by someone, how might you respond?
Closing prayer
Thank you, Father, that every commitment you have made has been a promise kept or one I can have confidence you will fulfill. I praise you; you are altogether faithful and trustworthy. Help me, that who you are is reflected in my every relationship.
Scripture Union Discovery 29th January 2025 © 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved.
