v. 25 Not only was Rahab and her family saved, but Joshua gives us an end note. Rahab moved into the Israelite community and at the time of the writing of this book, she was still there.
A very unlikely woman whose life was a mess with sin and as far from God as she could be was redeemed. This prostitute became a famous mother in the Bible who raised her son, Boaz well. We will talk about his story next year along with Ruth. But quickly – Boaz recognized his family obligation to marry Ruth and become her kinsman redeemer. He saved her and the family land her husband had left behind. Young men of character who obey God do not happen by accident. We can presume their was a godly influence from his mother, Rahab.
Scarlet Thread
The scarlet cord she tied to her window as a sign to the Israelite army was part of God’s grand redemption plan. Scarlet is the deep red color of blood. And this cord symbolically points back to the blood painted over the door posts of the Jewish homes in Egypt. When the angel of death saw the blood on the door, he passed over that house and all who were inside were saved. In
and 39, the instructions for the high priest’s ephod or breastplate included a scarlet thread woven through the fabric. He was viewed as holy by God. The curtains of the tabernacle and temple also had a scarlet thread woven through them. When the attacking Jewish army came into Jericho, and they saw the scarlet cord in the the window, they passed by Rahab’s house and all who were inside were saved. The scarlet thread weaves throughout the Bible connecting God’s redemption with the color scarlet symbolizing blood, forgiveness and redemption. The scarlet thread is finally connected to Jesus who died on the cross and through his blood paid for our sins and our redemption.
Rahab was part of that scarlet thread. Part of God’s Redemption Plan. She is a woman and a mother worthy of praise.
Were you expecting to hear about God’s redemption and the Gospel on Mother’s Day?
Maybe today you realized that like Rahab you are a sinner, far from God, unable to save yourself. Today you can confess your sin to God and accept the forgiveness of sins and the gift of redemption through Jesus Christ and eternal life. It would be the greatest mother’s day present for your mom and grandma – sharing that you trusted Jesus as your Savior. You joined God’s family.
Are you a mom or grandma who thinks your life is too far gone? God wouldn’t want you or couldn’t make anything good out of your life. What do you have to offer? Look at Rahab’s life. God uses broken people who are willing to humble themselves, trust in Jesus as Redeemer, and live a life obedient to God’s Word. Maybe you need to renew that commitment today.
Are you the mother of a Boaz or the grandmother of a David? Or maybe a Rahab? Make sure you are telling your own redemption story to your family and sharing how God has changed your life and is still working on you. Pray for them daily. Be an encourager of their faith and spiritual growth. Give them a new Bible. Challenge them to read through it and memorize verses with you.
For everyone else. I hope you honor, love, and serve your mother and grandmothers well. Not just today, but every day. Listen to them. Spend time with them. Love them. They are gifts in your life, from God.
